Food Podcast: What is causing food insecurity in the Three Rivers region?
On this week’s episode of the Food Podcast presented by Clearview Federal Credit Union, we dive into a topic that impacts our entire community: What is causing people to be food insecure?
It’s a topic many food banks have struggled with as they try not only to feed their communities but also address the root causes.
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank has created a department devoted to stabilizing lives.
The team started its work last July, and department head Chris West said the group has stayed busy, answering calls to the food bank’s call center. Call center staff not only connect people with resources for food, but they also ask follow-up questions to learn why each person is experiencing a need.
“It’s looking at the whole person. Yes, the food bank is focused on food, and we want someone to be food secure today and tomorrow,” West said. “We also want someone to be food secure a year, two years and three years from now. Sometimes that’s going to take more than food. So we look at the resources they need and connect them.”
Life stabilization connects people to services ranging from help with bills and employment services to transportation and health care. The team also assists people in signing up for SNAP, formerly known as food stamps.
West said most of calls currently are from people who need food assistance because of health care needs, bills and employment.
“Paying bills, paying utilities, paying mortgage. It’s competing priorities,” West said. “Do they go to the grocery store or get medicine? It’s a lot of choice and folks are struggling even through things are starting to turn around. People were struggling before the pandemic.”
The innovative move to bring life-stabilization resources to the Three Rivers region is one of the cores of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s brand refresh.
To connect with the call center, call 412-460-3663 x655.
For information on partnership opportunities, email cwest@pittsburghfoodbank.org.
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