Free food distribution set at Pittsburgh Mills

A free mass food distribution for Alle-Kiski Valley families will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at Pittsburgh Mills.

The drive-thru-only event is hosted by the Harrison-based Allegheny Valley Association of Churches (AVAC) and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Since the pandemic hit, the food distribution has taken the place of AVAC’s typical Produce to People distribution, which for years was hosted indoors in Tarentum during the winter months and outdoors in Harrison during the summer.

Beth Kendra, AVAC administrative assistant, said the decision to hold a drive-thru distribution helps people to remain socially distanced.

Though covid transmission levels in Allegheny County are in the low category, numbers have bounced up and down for the better part of the year.

The church ministry, which runs the event, distributes boxes of vegetables, pasta and produce to more than 400 families a month. The items vary month to month and many times include dairy or meat.

Karen Snair, AVAC executive director, said numbers have been higher than those for face-to-face distributions, in large part because of the pandemic and rising prices.

Volunteers always are needed to help place the boxes into the vehicles, she said.

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

No proof of income is required.

Vehicles are not permitted to arrive before 4 p.m., and people must remain inside the vehicle.

Mass food giveaways also are scheduled for the second Tuesdays of September and October. Times will change in November.

Anyone interested in receiving a food box can line up in the parking lot of the now-closed JCPenney store.

Registration can be completed at pittsburghfoodbank.org or by calling 412-460-3663, ext. 655.