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Pennsylvania DHS Secretary visits the Food Pantry

JFCS Squirrel

JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry was honored to receive a visit from Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller during the Wolf Administration’s Hunger Action Month tour to highlight charitable food networks and supports that fight food insecurity in communities across Pennsylvania.

“More than 1.5 million people around Pennsylvania experience food insecurity and may not know where they will get their next meal,” said Secretary Miller. “For too many people, food insecurity is their daily reality. We must do our part to ensure access to food assistance programs are available for our neighbors, so we can eliminate the growing hunger gaps across Pennsylvania.”

September is National Hunger Action Month, when we are asked to take some action to help end hunger. Whether that be volunteering at the Food Pantry, making a donation or holding a food drive, every effort is appreciated.

Learning about hunger counts as well. Feeding America is the national organization of food banks. On the Feeding America website, you can learn about hunger in this country and in Pennsylvania. There are also lots of ideas about what you can do to help your community’s most vulnerable members.

“Food insecurity” means not having access to reliable and nutritious meals. Since hunger and health are deeply connected, effects of food insecurity include increased risks for chronic diseases, higher chances of hospitalization, poorer overall health, and increased healthcare costs.

“We’re honored to have Secretary Miller visit us today,” said Matthew Bolton, director of JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry. “We’re grateful to have state officials who take such a personal on-the-ground interest in Pennsylvania citizens struggling with hunger and food insecurity. The basic human need of having enough to eat keeps our commitment to JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry strong.”

JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry helps Pittsburgh residents to choose among non-perishables, fresh produce, meat or poultry (as available), personal hygiene products, and pet food. They also provide supportive services, such as counseling and employment assistance, to help regain and maintain self-sufficiency.

The Food Pantry is currently in the middle of its fall appeal. To make a donation, please visit our Fall Appeal web page. If you or your group would like to volunteer at the Food Pantry, please call Stacie at 412-421-2708 or email sdow@jfcspgh.org.