Meal Kit Packing event will focus on kids’ food needs during winter break
Who: United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania staff and volunteers; United Way President & CEO Bobbi Watt Geer, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer Linda Jones, Chief Program and Policy Officer Sally Ellwein, Chief Strategy Officer Neil DiBiase, Director of Meeting Basic Needs Jen Schuchart.
What: Dec. 16 and 17, United Way will hold a special Meal Kit Packing event at David L. Lawrence Convention Center, in response to a recent spike in food insecurity in southwestern Pennsylvania. Community and corporate volunteers will pack 3,000 meal kits for distribution to schools across the region. Each meal kit contains shelf-stable foods that kids can prepare themselves, including microwaveable meals, healthy snacks and breakfast cereal. This Meal Kit Packing event is made possible with support from Duquesne Light Corporation and in-kind support from Giant Eagle.
Why: While SNAP food assistance benefits have resumed since disruptions to payments last month, families across our region are still facing uncertainty and growing food insecurity entering the December holiday season. Food banks and other providers are expecting the demand for emergency food to continue to climb as new SNAP requirements take effect, and people lose benefits. United Way’s 211 contact center has seen a significant increase in calls, reporting a 32% greater overall contact volume this November compared to last November.
This situation coincides with winter break, when children lose access to the school meals they depend on. United Way, as a community convener, is bringing together corporations, school districts and individual volunteers to help meet the need. Meal kits packed by volunteers will help ensure that local children have access to nutritious food while they’re away from school.
When: Media are invited to attend on Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Exhibit Hall D. 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Enter through the West Lobby, off 10th Street.