Drive-through food distribution open to Alle-Kiski Valley residents

Tarentum resident Rayann Urbanski plucked large bundles of kale from boxes outside Pittsburgh Mills in Frazer and placed them in more than 300 vehicles waiting in line at a recent drive-through food distribution.

“Everyone seems to really appreciate the help,” said Urbanski, a Highlands and Pitt grad who now works in human resources at the Harmar Target. “If you’re low on money, this definitely helps.”

The food giveaway is hosted monthly by Harrison-based Allegheny Valley Association of Churches (AVAC) and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

The next distribution will be from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Nearly 400 Alle-Kiski Valley families have been participating in the drive each month, according to Jordan Hartman, food bank distribution manager.

Participants usually get several boxes of food with a variety of fruits, vegetables and shelf-stable items such as pasta or prepackaged meals. Sometimes, meat and dairy products are doled out.

Hartman said the event will remain at Pittsburgh Mills through at least December.

In November and December, the event is 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. because of the weather and end of daylight saving time, according to Beth Kendra, AVAC administrative assistant.

Pre-registration is offered, but people can show up outside the former JCPenney store and get in line the day of the event.

Vehicles are not permitted to arrive before 4 p.m. Recipients must remain inside their vehicle.

The location is a shift from the winter giveaways that were hosted in Tarentum for many years. The former Rite Aid building is no longer available, and the drive-through makes sense because people can remain in their vehicles during the winter months, Hartman said.

“We can serve people pretty efficiently this way,” he said.

Locations will be reevaluated every three months.

The mass food distribution doles out a hefty amount of food to help supplement people’s grocery budgets.

“I think the numbers have been up a bit,” Hartman said. “It seems like people are leaning on us a little more.”

Danny Hill of Tarentum said the food helps stretch his household finances to the extent he is able to more easily pay his regular bills.

“It helps me make the car payment,” he said. “This is a hand-up, not a handout.”

Up to three families can receive food in one vehicle, but each must be registered separately.

The distribution is open to anyone. Registration is open at pittsburghfoodbank.org or by calling 412-460-3663, ext. 655.