Bayer grant boosts food access at Salvation Army in Brackenridge, Greensburg

Brackenridge Salvation Army chef Cheryl Bieranoski doesn’t mess around when it comes to good eats.

The self-described lunch lady is gleeful scooping out whopping-sized servings of sloppy Joes and fruit salad to more than 100 people Thursdays at the free Community Lunch.

“Everyone is so grateful,” said Bieranoski, who has staffed the kitchen for six years. “It makes me happy to serve up healthy options and see that people are getting good food.”

Free lunch at the Brackenridge Avenue facility will continue through the year thanks in part to a $30,000 grant from the Bayer Fund, the pharmaceutical company’s philanthropic arm.

Money was awarded to the Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division to support the Feeding Families for Life campaign in Brackenridge and Greensburg.

A portion of the grant will be used to provide weekend meals at two Greensburg-area schools for students in need.

“Food insecurity is an issue that impacts people of all ages in our communities,” said Maj. Gregory Hartshorn, division commander.

“Many across our area are forced to make the difficult decision either to pay bills or put food on the table. This support not only fills empty stomachs, but it will help our neighbors receive the nutrition they need to lead healthy lives.”

The Feeding Families program helps to ensure that fresh, nutritious food is accessible to those who need it.

In Brackenridge, Capt. Selah Bender said the grant will help provide healthier food options.

“We’d like to possibly add a salad bar to our Thursday lunches,” Bender said. “We all need to eat healthier, and people in low-income situations might not be getting the best options. Produce is expensive, so they’re not grabbing it at the store.”

Participant Kevin Guido of New Kensington said he drops in every week and picks up multiple meals to deliver to friends who can’t get out.

“I take it to a fella who is trying to get back on his feet,” he said. “I take one for my mailman, and I always grab some extra bread and apples for my neighbor. People who can’t get here are appreciative.

“It’s very nice what they do here, and the food is great.”

Since 2017, the Bayer Fund has awarded more than $75 million to nonprofits across the country.

“We’re proud to be able to provide support that helps combat the critical issue of food insecurity and ultimately helps ensure even more people in the community have access to healthy, nutritious food,” said Al Mitchell, president of the Bayer Fund.

At the Brackenridge Salvation Army, meals can be eaten there or taken to go.

Bender said she hopes to see more people taking a seat and sharing conversation.

“The meals are a nice push toward the sense of community,” she said.

At the same time, food donations from Walmart and other stores are set on tables to help stock people’s pantries. On any given week, there is bread, frozen food and pastries.

Jim Ondrick of Harrison said the weekly program helps his budget, without a doubt.

“If I couldn’t come here, I don’t know what I’d do,” he said. “God bless them.”

In Greensburg, more than 100 students combined at Nicely Elementary School and Greensburg-Salem Middle School receive food backpacks on Fridays filled with snacks and fresh food.

“A lot of families are struggling, and they’re not eating that well unless they’re at school,” said Maj. Laurie Greenfield, the corps commanding officer of the Greensburg Salvation Army. “This gives them snacks to get them through the weekend.”

Salvation Army employees prepare the backpacks, and the schools handle the distribution needs.

Greenfield said she anticipates an uptick in meal requests.

“The extras (food stamp increases) are going away, and the need for our food programs will increase,” she said.

Staff writer Joyce Hanz contributed to this report.