“ The winter and early spring are when we see some of the highest need for food , as many workers with outdoor jobs are laid off ,” explained Molly Patterson , Operations Coordinator at SHIM . She noted that December brought 36 first-time families to SHIM ’ s food pantries , and 110 individuals . “ More than half of SHIM ’ s households have at least one member who is employed . And more than half are families with children .”
That ’ s why SHIM kicked off its annual “ Sack Hunger , Pack Hope ” campaign in February , to help raise funds for its food pantry operations throughout the year and collect food to round out the winter season and get a jump on spring food pantry days . The campaign serves to raise awareness , dollars and muchneeded food for local families in need to support SHIM ’ s three food pantries located in Bethel Park , Baldwin and at its Prospect Park Family Center in Whitehall . Last year ’ s record-shattering effort saw community groups , congregations , troops , schools and workplaces coming together to make sure no neighbors go hungry .
“ Sack Hunger is the quintessential example of neighbors helping neighbors ,” says Guffey . “ When we all come together , there ’ s nothing we can ’ t do together .”
Based on community response in 2016 , the goals for 2017 are ambitious . SHIM hopes to raise $ 100,000 and collect 36,000 pounds of food . Thanks to Casey Family Foundation matching funds , cash donations will be doubled .
“ The food the community brings in during drives is fantastic ,” Guffey adds . “ But the added dollars are critical since we can leverage the buying power of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank which , in most cases , has five times the impact .”
The community is encouraged to get involved now through the end of April by hosting a drive , making a monetary gift to SHIM ’ s food pantry operations , and spreading the word by posting on social media , hanging up posters throughout the community and telling friends and family .
To learn more about how to get involved , visit shimcares . org / sackhunger or contact Seth Dubin at sdubin @ shimcares . org . ■
Upper St . Clair | Spring 2017 | icmags . com 37