I had the pleasure of volunteering here recently. I have volunteered throughout the city at…read moreseveral different nonprofits in the city and I have to say that this is one that probably touches more lives than any other in the city. What they do here is not a small feat. What goes into to what they accomplish here is many man hours of a dedicated workforce. On top of those that are employed this place also depends on the many that walk through those doors and chip in whenever they can. While here I was told that some of the volunteer days that they have planned are booked months in advance. The facility is top notch and runs like a well oiled machine. However they have said that they have already outgrown this facility space. Even though that may be the case, they don't let that stop their mission. The families that the GPCFB reach are many and without them would not be able to maintain a home life that is perceived as normal. What little you can give is greatly appreciated and there are donation bins inside the front doors. Did you know that they get more donations for items that are considered junk food than healthy food items? That trail mix does seem nutritious, but what really helps them out was that fruits, vegetables, meat and the like.

Hunger is one subject that rarely comes up in discussions about food. When the subject of hunger…read moredoes come up, it remains limited to talk of the developing world. It is difficult to think about the fact that adults and children here in the States are going to sleep with pangs in their stomachs. It's easier to think about where to get good pho instead. In 2009 it was reported that over 50 million Americans were living in "food insecure" households. It's cliche to ask this, but have you ever in your life had to wonder where your next meal might come from? I hope you haven't, but if you have, that's food insecurity. For some, the situation is temporary. For others it's a chronic hardship. In these dire, murky economic times where the gulf between the wealthy and the impoverished is only growing, food banks are as essential as they've ever been, and The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank has been meeting that need throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania for more decades than I've been alive. Annually, the Food Bank allocates 21 million pounds of food from their Duquesne warehouse via manifold avenues not limited to senior citizen centers, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and pantries. And if you think that you will never find yourself relying on a food bank to feed you or your family, you should read this article from late last year... http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/11/22 Hunger is spreading, even into the supposedly lush, insulated suburbs. Food banks can help stifle and even reverse that tragic advancement. After all, you never know when the rug you're standing on will be yanked right out from under your feet, and yes it could be YOU someday. So, if you're not going to donate food or funds to the address above out of a concern for those who are not as privileged as you are, do so out of self-interest. As long as we support our local food banks, they will continue to be there for all of us if and when we need them. If you can't afford to give money, take a look inside your cupboard. Are you really planning on making something with that can of Cream of Mushroom Soup?