SQUIRREL HILL FOOD PANTRY RECEIVES TEEN PHILANTHROPY GRANT THAT WILL HELP LAUNCH ITS FRESH PRODUCE EFFORT
PITTSBURGH, PA—July 18, 2007— In early May, 17 B'nai Mitzvah teens gathered as part of the Samuel M. Goldston Teen Philanthropy Project, and designated a $6,500 grant to the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry, which will be instrumental in launching the pantry's efforts to offer regular fresh produce to participants.
The grant will be used to purchase a commercial refrigeration unit to increase the pantry's ability to store perishable foods and to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables to serve approximately 400 people over a three-month period.
"This grant is going to make a significant impact on the food pantry and will lead the way for us to seek support from other funders, so that we can continue to provide foods that are important to the good health of our clients," said Becky Abrams, MSW, Director of the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry.
Since the pantry doors opened in 1998, the Food Pantry was meant to be the place to turn for residents in the 15217 zip code area who qualify for food assistance, as well as those outside the 15217 zip code area who require kosher food. Poverty rates in Allegheny County have grown from 9.1% to 11.1% since the last census.
"There are so many people right here in our backyards who need our help," said Ms. Abrams.
The teen group visited the pantry earlier this year to more closely identify with what it takes to run a food pantry that provides supplemental food and supportive services to community members that qualify for food assistance.
"It sends a profound message that these teens can truly understand the significance of raising and allocating funds to help sustain and grow our community's service organizations," added Ms. Abrams.
The Samuel M. Goldston Teen Philanthropy Project was launched this past year by the United Jewish Federation Foundation and is now jointly administered with the Agency for Jewish Learning.
Each teen was asked to donate $500 to a common fund that was matched dollar - for - dollar through the generosity of Edward and Linda Goldston in memory of their son, Samuel M. Goldston.
The Squirrel Hill Food Pantry relies on the generosity of individual donors, grants, federal support and volunteers to continue its operations. Anyone interested in donating or volunteering can visit www.sqfoodpantry.org.
For more information regarding this release, please contact
Laurie Gottlieb
412-586-3738 (office)
412-523-3891 (mobile)
lgottlieb@jfcspgh.org
ABOUT SQUIRREL HILL FOOD PANTRY
The Squirrel Hill Food Pantry was established in 1998, as the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry, after the Jewish Healthcare Foundation identified the existence of hunger among many Jewish families in Pittsburgh and the lack of a facility that met the needs of those who kept kosher. Administered by Jewish Family & Children's Service, the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry is a member agency of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and serves all those in the 15217 zip code area who qualify for food assistance, as well as those outside the 15217 zip code area who qualify for food assistance and require kosher food. Services are provided without regard to race, sex, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, disability or age.
