In the seven years I’ve been at Westmoreland Community Action (WCA), I’ve witnessed firsthand the overwhelming struggles of families in Southwestern Pennsylvania. New mothers in need of support, children falling behind in school and families going hungry because they don’t have enough to eat.

However, I’ve also seen our community come together to help change these realities with the aid of United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Last year, WCA participated in United Way’s meal kit packing event where 1,750 meals were packed for families suffering from food insecurity. In Westmoreland County, we were able to help feed hundreds of families, giving them essential basic needs and nourishment in a time of crisis.

And last week, we helped hundreds more, when 200 volunteers gathered to pack 1,750 meal kits for families across United Way’s five-county region. Each kit included ingredients for six meals, enough to feed a family of four for the weekend. Recipes were curated by nutritionists, and kits included a Giant Eagle gift card to help purchase the perishable items needed.

United Way’s meal kit packing event isn’t just an opportunity to collaborate with amazing organizations, but a chance to make a real impact in the lives of thousands of families in our community.

Tammy Patterson

Springdale Township

The writer is vice president of children and family services at Westmoreland Community Action.

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