Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

I am a partner with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (GPCFB). Every encounter I have ever had with one of their representatives has been a positive experience. Employees are passionate about what they do and are knowledgeable and eager to help. All trainings provided are top notch and worth the time.

I am so proud that such a phenomenal nonprofit organization exists in my city. The greater Pittsburgh community Food Bank services so many people and increases their quality of life. Accessibility to food is so important and the food bank makes this happen treating their members with dignity and respect!

About the food distribution locations the food bank rather let people to be pushed, shoved and assaulted or be intimidated to where they got no food source.

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is all over Pittsburgh, you cant miss them. Their passion and drive for helping their neighbors is unmatched and should be modeled by every other surrounding foodbank. I thank them for making the greater Pittsburgh area a better place to live.

I volunteered with a group from work. It was my first time and it was a warm and humbling experience. Its really nice to see the care and amoun of time is spent to help others.

I volunteered with a group from my organization. It was amazing to see the amount of work that they do to accomplish their mission! It was an eye-opening experience, and the services they provide our community is invaluable. Great job!

Very food. Much good. Wow. 10/10 would recommend

For my school, we did a fundraiser four our literary journal called "Food for Thought" and donated all the cans we raised to the GPCFB. They're a wonderful organization and we plan on doing it every year.

I have volunteered out at the Food Bank for several years now. It has always been a wonderful experience, with a great team who is extremely helpful, and knowing that you are making a difference for someone's life! We have done assembly lines, repacking everything from cereal to frozen chickens, and sorted donations coming from all over. I will keep coming as long as I can stand!

GPCFB is always busy doing whatever they can to help families and individuals who have fallen on hard times in the area. Fantastic group!

I volunteer for GPCFB as often as I can. They are a great organization that provides aid to individuals and food banks. I am proud to serve them. Every volunteer experience I've had has been very, very well organized, but still fun. I've done Produce To People, repacking, the Fall Food Drive, and collecting donations at the Holiday Market in Pittsburgh. I highly recommend volunteering with and/or donating to them. Very rewarding!

While I have had enormous respect for any organization that helps feed the hungry, I have enormous respect for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. They have a tremendous task of helping to provide food to children, families, the elderly, the poor, and every one that needs fed, and it is extremely hard to keep up with that demand. The economy has a lot to do with the fluctuation of their supply and demand and in this current economy, it makes the job that much harder. Every year I donate food on a consistent basis, and, every holiday, instead of having guests arrive with hostess gifts, I ask that they bring nonperishable items to be donated to the food bank. They have readily complied. I will continue to aid in this fight for ending hunger and hope those who read this will consider a donation of any type as well.

This review reflects my experience with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank while conveying the positive impact it has had upon me on a personal level. I have volunteered periodically at the Food Bank mainly within the repacking and Produce to People efforts. I have also attended a tour and presentation and have helped individuals link to this resource through past employment posts. In addition, I have donated, when able, to this organization as I identify with its' purpose.

I read the newsletter communications regularly and I do believe that the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank has established themselves in many events and happenings to extend the mission in the local community. I do believe that this is probably one of the best ways for the organization to meet its goals as it reaches donors in an indirect manner, for example, reduced admission fee(s) with donation of goods, etc. As a person who has worked with individuals with needs, my only concern is that policies and procedures continue to be adhered to and that people that do receive resources are the ones that truly need it.

I have volunteered at the food bank for about three years. It is a great asset to the Greater Pittsburgh Area and it is always searching for new ways to reach the people who need its services. The staff is made up of people whose primary concern is serving the community.

I have been serving at the food bank in a volunteer capacity for almost 3 years. I found them to be an organization that manages its funds very well and makes themselves a part of the Pittsburgh community. I always feel like I've done something very useful when I leave to go home. I love helping them.

I have had the opportunity to volunteer with the food bank for approximately 4 years, and it has been time very well spent. Their volunteer coordinators are engaging, and maintain excellent contact with the volunteers, and their distributions are always very organized. Best of all, is that I get the opportunity to witness first hand what my time contributes to, and to recognize the impact that I may have on someone else's life. I thank the food bank for giving me the opportunity to serve my community in this way.

As a member of the GPCFB speaker's bureau I have had an opportunity to visit some of the agencies that the food bank supports, to help distribute food directly to people that need help with feeding their families, and to provide information to children and adults about how widespread poverty and hence food insecurity is in our region as well as in all of our country.
My experience has shown me that GPCFB is an excellent well-run organization that is providing a critical service to help families that are struggling just to get by. It's shocking that, in the United States of all places, so many people suffer from hunger. I have learned that the dedicated people of GPCFB do a terrific job in helping to mitigate that problem.

I have been volunteering at the foodbank through my employer(University of Pittsburgh) for about 8 years. It only takes a few hours a month but the look of appreciation on the faces of the individuals standing in line for food to feed their families is heartwarming. It makes me look forward to retirement when I can spend more time there. It also makes me realize how fortunate I am to be in a position to help them.

I've been volunteering at the food bank since I retired six years ago. Usually I repackage food, but I don't really know until I get there, which is fine by me. I've met many caring employees and volunteers.

Selective Insurance Company of America provides employees with a paid day off each year in order to provide community service to an organization of the employees choice. A group of employees have used the last four years to donate their time to this organization. They make sure that their volunteers know the purpose of the organization by taking time to discuss the services that they provide and tour the facility. The projects the volunteers are involved with make an immediate impact to those in need. One can only feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day knowing what you've done has helped touched many lives. Pittsburgh is lucky to have The Greather Pgh Community Food Bank care about those in need.

The Foodbank runs a program called Produce to People that provides fresh produce and other items (meat and some canned goods) directly to people who need it at distribution events around the area. My son and I volunteered for the program several years ago through my work. I was super impressed by the program. It was well run and kept a large team of volunteers busy and productive. The program provided volunteers with an opportunity to interact with people getting food. Overall it was great experience and both my sons and I have been a regular volunteers since then. The people from the foodbank are great for this program -- sincere and knowledgeable of the program but low-key and never righteous. I really value this experience. In my time volunteering, I have been impressed over and over by the basic goodness of all people. The clients help each other because they can and because others need it. I have watched neighbors help each other get food. I have seen strangers give each other rides to the program. People take care of each other -- family, friends, neighbors and at time strangers -- because it is what people do. I always feel extremely fortunate to get to be just one more person helping out.

I became aware of the food bank 9 years ago when our Girl Scout Troop toured the facilities. We returned a short time later to repack food items. For Several years I would attend volunteer events with my troop, family or by myself. We see so many children in our community that are hungry and if just a few hours a month can help someone in need it will always be time well spent. They are well organized and ready to go, all we have to do is reserve that we are coming and show up.

I have only been volunteering with this organization for a few shot months,but have been welcomed and have been welcomed whole heatedly. The neatest thing I've done so far for this organization is to help with produce to people and they partnered up with Grow Pittsburgh to pass out seedlings, starter plants, and even buckets of soil to help the needy try to grow some vegetables for themselves.

Great organization with great people! They're very efficient with volunteer's time & energy.

The Greater Pittsburgh food bank provides many different opportunities to help collect food, distribute food and help with fund raising activities. I have volunteered to pick vegetables at local farms, help at distribution centers and serve at fund raising events, such as the blues festival. The events have always been well organized and details well thought out by the staff. That makes for an enjoyable experience for volunteers.

The food bank engages its volunteers with individual and group oppertunities, at the main facility, local pantries, and collection sites, and at special events. They attempt to be innovative with their volunteer communications, and activities, while serving the community's food needs.

This service is great. As a volunteer you are always working, time is productive, you never sit and wait. We see the outcome of our time put in. Food is important to all and we see how is helps all our families. My husband and I both volunteer and will continue to do so.

I have volunteered here in the past. The people at the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank do everything they can to help serve the community. They are generous and respectful to all.

I try to volunteer at least once a month at the food bank's Produce to People (P2P) distribution. It is an amazing experience and it means so much to be able to connect with the individuals that you are helping to serve. It is an unbelieveavble feeling to know that you can have an impact on the community by volunteering with such a great organization. The staff is fantastic and the food bank is an invaluable resource in our community.

Our company volunteers once a year with the Food Bank and tries to be involved in the other community outreach programs they run. They are a 1st class organization and make a real difference in our city!

I have had the great pleasure of voulnteering with this great organization. It's very moving to see the outpouring of support from the volunteers and to meet the people benefiting from the GPCFB's great work. I cannot wait to do more.

Great staff, easy to work along side! The Food Bank does so many wonderful things for the community. It's an honor to serve the people with this agency. - Alana D., Morningside

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is a spectacular organization to volunteer with, because they conduct many different engaging events connecting those in needs with the community.

Working with the Pittsburgh Food Bank staff has been one of the great experiences in my life. I retired wanting to do something with meaning in my life. I wanted to give back. But the surprise, there are so many doing more than I had ever imagined. I became the coordinator of a local food pantry with about 110 families, we have since, thru the help of the Pittsburgh Food Bank, grown to several hundred.
The help and support provided insured our success. The advise, continuous follow up through Sue Smith and Sherry Gilchrist and their staff have been instrumental in our growth and our service to so many in our community. We are so thankful each and every month that we can learn from their experts, we can continue to grow and give to our community the help they so desperately need, and we have a support system in place for every problem and need. I just cannot say "thank you, thank you, thank you" enough!

I have given donations to the Food Bank over the years. However, this year for the first time I volunteered during their Fall Food Drive at a local Giant Eagle. I was amazed at how responsive people were to the human factor. I handed out pamphlets with suggested foods and asked people to make a donation. My granddaughter and I were there for about 4 hours. The response was overwhelming. Even the store employees were astonished at how generous people were. We filled about 5 grocery carts during those hours. I will do this each year from now on and will look for other opportunities to be that human face for the Food Bank.

Alison Jones

I initially became familiar with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (and others in the local vicinity) through my occupation. I have volunteered, at times, with packaging and the Produce to People program. I have also attended an informational workshop at the facility which I found most helpful and useful. I think as change in the atmosphere of our society is constant; a program as such that provides a vital resource to individuals is of utmost value and importance. I do read the e-mails and participate in some of the activities, etc, when able.

I don't have a sad story to tell. I am just one of many who donate to the Pittsburgh Food Bank because of all the wonderful things they do to help those in need. I have been very fortunate in my life and simply want to help those who have not been as lucky. I urge all those sitting down to a great family meal today to think about those who will not, then DONATE!

As a volunteer for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank I am given the privilege of contributing to the community of mankind. It is an honor to assist the less fortunate and I am always humbled by the thankfulness shown. No one knows when misfortunate will strike and people need to know that the basic right of food should not be a worry or the loss of dignity. The Food Bank restores the dignity of a family by making sure parents are able to feed their children, helps students struggling with the cost of education feed themselves, and cares for the mentally challenged members of our society. I consider the Community Food Bank a necessity for a healthy community and a thriving society.

I have participated in the monthly distribution of Produce to People and I am very impressed by the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank's commitment to the individuals it serves. Prior to each distribution event, the volunteer co-ordinator sets the tone by reminding us of who our customers are and the importance of making each and every customer feel welcome so that she or he will return. A returning customer means a household that is helped; a customer who feels unwelcome may result in a child or adult going hungry.

The events, from the volunteer side, are well organized and the volunteers are given explicit instructions about what is expected.

I donate fairly regularly to the food bank, and would like to take the next step and volunteer on some kind of regular basis. I was able to take part in a gleaning a few summers ago, where I helped to harvest fresh vegetables, and really loved the experience. For me, being able to go to more gleanings would be a really enjoyable way to make a tangible impact in my community, and a great way to get more involved in a purely physical aspect. It is one of my goals for the upcoming summer, and by writing a review I hope to make it become a reality.

I am aclient of one of the local pantries served by Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and have had only positive experiences with it in the last 5 years that I have used it. I am also a volunteer at my local pantry for the last 3 years. The food I receive is good and nutricious and goes a long way in extending my food budget. Every volunteer and employee I've met has been wonderful and extremely helpful.

As a former intern of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, I cannot say enough good things about what goes on behind and beyond their walls. The individuals of this organization are not simply employees by the Food Bank but they embody a the mission to further the community through their efforts to eradicate hunger. The management is outstanding and because of such superb leadership, the Food Bank is able to efficiently and effectively work to bring about change in the community. This is an organization that loves and serves like a nonprofit but has the efficiency and success rate of a fortune 500 company. The Food Bank is without a doubt the most meaningful nonprofit I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with.

As a Public Health Nurse who concentrates on chronic disease prevention and works with vulnerable, underserved populations that the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank reaches out to, I am very impressed with their efforts to get healthier foods and education about healthier eating to the people who utilize their services. The GPCFB is always eager to collaborate with agencies and organizations to bring their messages and information to the Food Bank clients. For example, the GPCFB arranged for the National Kidney Foundation, The American Diabetes Association and the Allegheny County Health Department to have tables with their materials and information about their services at successive Produce to the People distribution events last fall. This collaboration provided the clients an opportunity to get health information and screenings they might not have received. It provided the agencies and organization with access to targeted, high-risk, medically underserved people that they need to reach. It was very beneficial and an example of how GPCFB thinks outside the box and is always looking to collaborate.

I have been volunteering every other Friday in the repack center of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank for over 7 years. The employees and volunteers who work there do a fantasic job of sorting and boxing the many types of food that get donated there. Not only do I feel that I'm doing my small part for a very worthy cause, but I have made some wonderful friends there. I can honestly say that when I have left there after EVERY session over the past 7 years, I have ALWAYS felt better than when I walked in. I am proud to be associated with this wonderful organization and all of the dedicated people who work there.

As a donor I appreciate the Pittsburgh Food Bank's ability to funnel such a high percentage of donations to the community. The website is very easy to use to make a donation, find information or volunteer. I have attended several different Pittsburgh Food Bank events such as a wine dinner at Eleven, Empty Bowl and several events where there are canned food donations encouraged. They get the donation word out in so many imaginative ways. All this being said the MOST IMPORTANT aspect of the Pittsburgh Food Bank is the THOUGHTFUL and RESPECTFUL way they serve the community. Thank you to all who support, in any way, our food bank.

As a donor I looked at organizations that would put the money I give to help the most in need. The Gr. Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is the best at what they do. In these hard times they are serving more with limited resources. People that never thought they would be in trouble are being helped. I trust since the CEO is retiring that the Gr. Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will find the best person that will be a dedicated to carrying out the mission.

I became aware of the amazing job The Greater Pittsburgh Community Bank does through volunteering. I have worked on the assembly line making boxes of food for seniors...THOUSANDS of boxes! They really have the system down pat and are benefitting so many hungry people in our area.
Way to Go!

I have always been aware of the fine work done by the staff at The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, located in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. Instead of having a Christmas party at work one year, we opted to donate to the Food Bank& I handled the project. My New Year's resolution for 2011, was to be a volunteer. I participated in the Produce to People Progam @ the South Side Market House on 1/22/2011. I was totally amazed by the wonderful experience! I could not believe that on the coldest day of the winter, we were able to provide 20,000 lbs of food to 360 patrons in about two hours. All the food that was provided was a nutritious assortment of all the basic food groups. Some were canned goods, fresh vegetables, & frozen meat. A tasy, easy receipe was included that incorporated all the food items dispensed that day. The guests of the Food Bank were lovely, friendly individuals who braved the freezing weather to provide healthy food for themselves & their families. I was amazed by the variety of people; it was truly a microcosim of life, that passed through the doors that frigid January day. All of the volunteers were happy to be there participating in such a meaningful project. Our director was so acutely sensitive to the needs of everyone involved. He assured us tha it was imperative that we treat all of our guests with respect & courtsey. He never wanted anyone who was hungry not to come to the Food Bank because they felt they were poorly treated. Not to worry!! It was an upbeat, pleasant exchange between all the volunteers & our patrons. It was an amazingly happy experience for me. I truly felt honored to be a part of such a wonderful, life change program. I can't wait to return on 2/27/11.

I have been a Board Member (and past Board President) for 16 years. Yet everyday I still find there are more things to learn and admire about the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

While I'm involved in many areas, my focus has been working with the Development Department on the Campaign to End Hunger. This campaign, now in its fifth year, has helped build awareness of hunger in our region and positioned GPCFB as a major part of the solution. One result has been a significant increase in donations at a time when those donations are so desperately needed.

No matter how great the need, I have found that the Food Bank is willing to do virtually anything to help those most vulnerable in our region. It has been a great source of pride to be part of that effort.

My first experience as a volunteer at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank was through a work training program for team work. I had never worked so hard and felt so good about it at the same time. I was amazed at the organization and how much food was needed in the area. I have since volunteered with my children, trying to spread to them the need to give time to help the community. My experience have always been positive, things were always organized well, so I felt my time was well spent.

It is absolutely amazing how well-run and organized the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is. Our community is truly blessed to have such a wonderful organization.

Every month, I volunteer at two events where food is passed out to people who need it. I am struck by how much people in the area need the GPCFB's help. And, I am impressed by the efforts of the Food Bank and its volunteers to help.

Helping to repackage donated Cap'n Crunch cereal was my family's first experience of volunteering together at the Food Bank. It allowed us to begin the conversation about "to those who are given much, much is expected." I'm proud that my children took that message to heart.

Hi,



I was one of the lucky people to have been pick to volunteer at the food bank and I love the whole experience. While loading boxes I was taken back at how many people came into the warehouse & gave up their time to help feed families that are in need. I had such a wonderful time there. I got to meet new people and I learn so much. I was really impress on how much food there was. I was proud to be an American knowing that we help stock those shelves for who ever was in need of a good meal.

This is a fabulously well organized and thoughtfully run organization. Hungry people are well served through smart management practices put into place and executed by caring people. The need in our area is increasing and the Food Bank strives to keep up with demand with a variety of community outreach collections, ranks of sorting and repack volunteers and folks who take produce out to local sites for pick up.
The Saturday repack lines prepare family sized portions of whatever the Food Bank is able to purchase -- cereal, pasta, french fries, frozen ravioli, or pack boxes of mixed cereals, and paper products.

I have lived in several states and have volunteered at food drives and other charitable events. When I moved back to the Pittsburgh area I looked for a organization to do volunteer work when I could. I chose the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank after seeing the large number of families and organizations they support. By far this Food Bank serves more families an organizations than any other place I have done volunteer work.

I have packaged food items for the inventory and have left the Food Bank feeling like I did something worthwhile. The staff at the Food Bank are very dedicated to their work and are always show their appreciation to volunteers.

I have recommend others to volunteer at the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank

When I was in high school, I met with the PR director of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to write a report on public relations. Not only did I learn more about PR, learned about the wonderful work they do. I have a been a volunteer or donor ever since. I know that the majority of money donated to the food bank goes directly to support their work. I am also very impressed with the way they communicate with me and the ways they make the issue of hunger known in the community. I am very proud to support this organization.

I am a member of the St. Philip Conference for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Council of Pittsburgh. We operate a local food bank for the residents of Crafton. We provide food once a month for between 50 to 60 families. We are one of the few food banks that deliver directly to the people we are blessed to serve. Every month I literally see the vital difference that the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank helps us make in the lives of our clients. The unique collaboration among GPCFB & the St. Philip Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides the most salient of gifts - Hope! The food GPCFB provides us enables us to help so many people of great need. I don't know what we and the people we serve would do without GPCFB.

As a volunteer at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank I am always awed not just by the number of people they help but by the resourcefulness and efficiency of the staff. It's rewarding to volunteer there because they are well prepared for the volunteer crew, provide clear instructions and the necessary materials, and have plenty for us to do. They educate volunteers about their programs and about the need for their services without being preachy. I am so confident that the Bank uses its resources wisely that I contribute money every month.

I work for a local Head Start Program and we often refer our families to the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. These are difficult times for many of our families and those with small children often doubly effected. Young children need nutritious food to develop and grow strong. Our families have experienced wonderful results from being working with the food bank. Our program often refers families to local food banks who receive their food supplies from the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. The Food Bank has a terrific reputation in the community and have expanded to reach many more counties. Their strength is in their ability to serve many communities and also the quality of the food products that the food bank receives from their resources. There are many of our families that would go hungry without the resources of the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank.

I am a California transplant to Pittsburgh and have been donating to the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank for the last 3 years. I am very impressed with the fact that they are very organized and pro-active. I receive reminders when the need is anticipated to be higher than usual. It always nudges me to donate and is appreciated. I hope to find more ways to volunteer in the future and to get my grandchildren involved. They are a wonderful organization and I feel very deserving of your help.
Linda

My family and I contribute 5% of our monthly income to the food bank because we believe in their work and the positive impact it has on the community. I also have volunteered there and saw how well the distribution center is organized from managing volunteers, to collecting and packaging the food, to preparing it for transport.

I did a graduate school project involving staff management and organizational culture at the Food Bank several years ago. Through that experience, I became very familiar with the internal workings of the organization. The staff are dedicated; the managers are committed to excellence. They have an amazing efficiency rating. And Joyce, the CEO, is perfect for the job. She is truly committed to using every single dollar received by the organization to help the hungry in Pittsburgh. I now serve as an advisory board member and have the opprotunity to continue to watch the organization stretch and grow. I donate frequently because I know that my donation goes further at the Food Bank than it would at most other nonprofits.

Your $5,000 could benefit the families of Pittsburgh greatly. Every food bank and organization is great, no question. This money is about the region and families it goes to and the suburbs of Pittsburgh (i.e. Duquesne, McKeesport, Braddock, etc.) could use the extra help. Regardless of where it goes, thanks for giving it.

For the past three years, I have organized and ran a fundraiser for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank called Frisbee for Food. The event is a casual frisbee tournament with a $5 entry fee, and about 200 high school kids attend each year. The event has raised about $1500 each year, and it is an amazing time. Students at my high school really respect the food bank, and everybody is willing to donate what they can and make a fun day out of helping charity. I've also gleaned with the food bank, which is such a fun way for people to volunteer. I spent the day bonding with caring people from the Pittsburgh Community and it not only made me feel like I was really helping, but it also gave me a connection to the Food Bank that I can't say I have with any other non-profit that I have donated to or volunteered for.

I donate to the food bank on a regular basis and attend some of their fundraising events. They seem to be one of the best run non-profits in the area. I am amazed at all the things they do, from providing legislative updates to bringing fresh food into areas that do not have access. Their fundraising events are also fun, along with being worthwhile.

I volunteer on an annual basis with my company (Hefren-Tillotson) and it is always a great experience. They do a great job there of getting us coordinated, keeping us motivated, and spending time to talk to us and answer questions about how great the need is and how important our time is to them. I look forward to increasing my time with the Food Bank in the future.

I have volunteered at the GPCFB with their Produce to People program and it is always a very rewarding experience. The staff is so kind and obviously cares deeply about their work. The people that are served are grateful and humble. It could not be a better volunteer experience.

I have volunteered in several different ways with the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, but my favorite event is "Empty Bowls". My friend and I have been attending for 5 years now, and we look forward to them every year. It is so well organized and always has a large turnout. We take our time picking out our ceramic bowl; last year I was able to snag a popular footed bowl. We carefully choose our soup line to be sure we get to taste our favorites. The servers are usually TV personalities and they pleasantly ladle out the soup. There is entertainment and raffles. For several years there was a terrific balloon sculptor, and we each choose our favorite design. I would recommend this event to everyone.

GPCFB is extremely well run and has addressed the needs of those underserved with dignity and creativity .... i especially like Empty Bowls event that focuses on hunger, raises $$ and awareness and has become a harbinger of spring ..... could be a metaphor perhaps

For several years, our Highmark sales team has volunteered to pack food as an annual team building exercise. (Packing frozen pierogies was my favorite exercise!) It's hard work, and at the end of the day we were exhausted. What was disturbing was learning that the sources of food supplies have steadily diminished over the years. Seeing shelves that were partially empty was a frightening sight, especially in this economic climate. While more and more people rely on the food bank, less and less is available for them. It's a sad comment for the richest country in the world.

I have been associated with the Foodbank for over 20 years as Advisor, Board member and past President. I first joined the Board to represent the company I worked for but after I retired I elected to remain on the board because I believe in the Foodbank mission so strongly. In my opinion no nonprofit is better run or more committed to their mission

While I was living in Pittsburgh, I started a food pantry associated with the Greated Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in a public housing community. The staff went above and beyond to offer services to the community and volunteers. Outreach workers met with chairmen of local pantries to disseminate and gather information to improve and expand services for needy individuals and families. Order takers were always helpful and courteous. Truck drivers who delivered the food always went out of their way to be helpful and streamline our services, especially given the severe winters. I can not say enough about the professionalism and compassion provided by this Food Bank. It was an honor to be affiliated with them during my tenure with the local food pantry.

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank does absolutely wonderful work. Through a volunteer experience we had the opportunity to give to this organization and I just wanted to share what wonderful work they do and how proud we are to have them as part of the community.

I volunteer with our company, Hefren-Tillotson, Inc., as well as once a month with our church, Walnut Grove Assembly of God in West Mifflin PA. Without the local chapter, our church would not be able to help 200 families every two weeks with groceries. Unfortunately, the need is there and these folks at the Greater Pittsburgh food bank are so helpful and supportive and have so many programs to help those who have nothing try to get on their own feet as well as help them keep their dignity while receiving free food.

As a donor for many years, my husband and I could not be more proud of the work of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, which is truly a lifeline to many families, who need a hand up, rather than a handout. Never content with the status quo, this organization is always coming up with new ways to raise funds and involve the community in helping others. It has a firstrate reputation and we are dedicated to its support.

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is a lifeline in the Pittsburgh community for the many families who rely on its services. I have participated in many programs over the years from food drives to gleaning and have always been impressed by the caring and committed staff. I have been so impressed by the resourcefulness of the programming in repurposing food to avoid waste and improve the diets of people that rely on the local food pantries.

My girl scout troop has worked on preparing packages for families in need at the Pittsburgh Food Bank.

It is amazing how organized the Food Bank is and how much effort goes into getting area families what they need. The volunteers that were leading our crew were so professional and it was so evident how devoted to the cause they were.

As important as it was to get the several hundred boxes packed safety was important and everyone worked together as a team to get the job done.

It was a pleasure to volunteer at the Food Bank.

The Bible tells us to feed the hungry. While we cannot often feed the hungry directly, through the Food Bank, we can participate in the work that God told us to do.

We have supported the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank for years - they are well known in the region for doing a wonderful job supplying food to so many communities in Southwestern Pennsylvania, a regions which has had its financial struggles, especially in some of the inner city and rural areas.

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is my "charity" of choice. There are many organizations asking for assistance in this great time of need but I feel the impact that the GPCFB has on the local community is unparalleled.
As a volunteer for one of the many local food banks the GPCFB supplies I experience firsthand the many benefits this organization extends to the many needy families in the Pittsburgh region.

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food bank is a wonderful organization.
I had a friend who at one time was in dire need of help as she was a single mother. If it wasn't for the food bank she and her daughter would have starved at times. They truly helped her through bad times.

I have supported the Food Bank for many years, because I know of the vital supplies it sends to many small food pantries around SW PA, like the East End Cooperative Ministries near where I live. I have visited the Duquesne facility and think it is outstanding in design and cleanliness.
I like the way the Food Bank does fund raisers which attract a wide rvariety of people. It also does education about why people are unable to meet their bills. The only thing better would be if there were more good paying jobs.

Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank is well organized group with volunteer opportunites communicated well and made easy to participate. I have brought my children to volunteer and learn to help others. My daughter's school was happy to become involved with a day of volunteering for students, parents, and faculty. It is a wonderful place to help out the community.

The food bank has helped so many people over the years. They are always looking for new ways to help their clients. I give to the food bank on a regular basis and will continue to do so.

The Pittsburgh Food Bank is an amazing organization that assists many needy individuals in the city. I have enjoyed supporting the Food Bank throughout college, law school, and into my career as an attorney. I personally know that simple donations go a long way at the Pittsburgh Food Bank. When I was a child, my family relied on such donations to make it from week to week. My father was disabled and the food bank was our primary source of food. With the support of the food bank, my family was able to get back on their feet and thrive. Now, that I am able to donate, I will do so knowing that each donation goes so very far.

We donate regularly to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. This food bank supports our whole area and provides food to individuals and to food pantries. By donating to the food bank we know that our money is being used effectively to help people in need in throughout our community. Giving money to the food bank is much more effective than giving money to individuals. When you give to the food bank you know the money will not be wasted on alcohol or other non-essentials. This is the best way to help people in need of food.

I recently entered a master's program in nonprofit management. For one of my assignments, I interviewed the COO of the GPCFB and I was really impressed with how well-run the organization is. As a longtime supporter, I knew beforehand about all the great programs and community partnerships that they have, but it was very enlightening to have a glimpse inside the organization and see how committed the people who work there are to insuring that no one in our region has to go hungry. I greatly appreciate how GPCFB connects the community to care for one another.

I support the Greater Pgh. Community Food Bank whenever I can because I know that my donation is being used in an efficient manor. The Foodbank management does its utmost to maximize resources and conduct creative fund-raising. They work with many community partners and local businesses to keep the bank stocked at all times. This foodbank feeds thousands every day and is a life-line to working families, single parents, and the elderly. It is a great example for other foodbanks in the area as well.

This has been our third year in a row volunteering through our company (Hefren-Tillotson). It has been both a rewarding and humbling experience - the Food Bank does an excellent job in both encouraging and facilitating those that want to volunteer.

The coordination of the volunteering is excellent and the facilities are impeccable. We all had a great time and look forward to coming back!

My daughter and I have volunteered at the foodbank hub in Duquesne. The people working there are friendly, knowledgeable and extremely dedicated and passionate about their mission. We packed up boxes of food to distribute to senior citizen communities, and it was done very efficiently in a space that was clean. I was very impressed how many people they benefit and with how successful they are at garnering donations of food and money. They are effective at inspiring people to donate time, money and food.

I volunteer at festivals, food distribution sites in the community, seeing how many people are able to truly be helped by the Pgh Foodbank is inspiring! the company I work for PNC BANK is very proactive encouraging employees to volunteer to make a difference. Very grateful to have such a wonderful staff to work with at th efoodbank too.

I participated in a cereal packing day at the GP Food Bank and was so impressed with this organization. The place was spotless and the people running the day were so organized and disciplined. The program for the children was wonderful and my kids learned a lot about hunger. I was especially impressed with the educational literature that was available to families in need showing ways to stretch your grocery dollars. They also provided recipes with inexpensive ingredients but still highly nutritious. I can't say enough good things about this organization.

I have had the good fortune to volunteer at the Food Bank, sponsored by Hefren-Tillotson, Inc. The staffers have a nearly evangelistic fervor for their mission. Clearly, this is a labor of love for those who work long and hard to see that their neighbors are fed. The staff is well-organized, knowledgeable and gracious. Teams of volunteers become competitive to see who can load the most food in the least time. It's exhausting and exhilarating work. At the end of the day, you know that there are families that won't go hungry because of what was accomplished. My 'final arrangements' will direct donations to the Food Bank in lieu of flowers, so it's an organization I wholeheartedly endorse.

I am grateful that I have a job and can feed myself and feel the need to help those who have lost their jobs and do not have the money to buy food for themselves.
By supporting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, I know that I am contributing towards a fundamental necessity of those most in need. Food is a basic necessity and that need crosses lines of neighborhood, religion, race, political affiliation, etc.
I believe that my contribution here is more than just food -- it is a contribution towards the health of others.

My company (Hefren-Tillotson) participated in a cereal-packing day at the Food Bank in January 2011. The Food Bank employees organized such an efficient assembly line of people, and the place was spotless. The employees there are very good at what they do and are extremely knowledgable and passionate about the Food Bank's mission and goals. I was very impressed.

I support the GP Community Food Bank because I believe that it is one of the best, most important ways that we can care for the needy in our area. It offers concrete, personal evidence to its recipients that there are people who DO care about them and want to help their lives to be better. In a political culture where it sadly seems to be acceptable to allow families that can't provide adequately for themselves to suffer, this food bank is a generous, honest, source of terribly needed support. No child should have to go to bed hungry; no adult should have to look for work on an empty stomach.

I like that the Food Bank has found so many ways to increase the funding it uses so well. (Although, it would be nice if we as a community would be more attuned to the needs of the poor without all the enticements!)

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is one of the agencies I contribute to every year. The good they do in the Community can not be measured. it is a well run organization which uses its funding to help supply food to those who need it in the community

Food is a basic necessity and that need crosses lines of neighborhood, religion, race, political affiliation, etc. By supporting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank every month, I know that I am contributing towards a fundamental necessity of those most in need. I believe that my contribution here is more than just food -- it is a contribution towards education, health, dignity, and peace.

This organization actively seeks high level community engagement and keeps its results visible before its donor base. I have only heard very positive comments about how it treats recipients, volunteers, and donors.

I've had the pleasure of volunteering for the Pittsburgh Food Bank's annual fall food drive a few times. What I love about it is that my family and I can do it together. I knew even as a new parent that I wanted my boys to see they could make a positive impact in other people's lives right away, but the volunteer opportunities for young kids are few.
The fall food drive allowed us to choose the time, location and duration that fit our needs as a family and still play a big part in getting the food to people who need it.
More than once, and often with tears in their eyes, those who contributed food to our collection bin told stories of how the Pittsburgh Food Bank was there for them when they needed the help and now that they were on their feet again they loved to contribute to the collection.
Hunger and the need for healthy food are something that everyone can relate to, even young children, so it was nice to have an opportunity to give what we could and see the benefit firsthand.

I have know about the food back for years. With the turn down in the economy, I decided to look for a local charity that was responding to the growing need. I did not have to look far. I have been continuting since then on a regular basis.

I have been a contributor to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food bank for several years now. I am incredibly impressed with the low overhead costs -- only 6% of the donations go to administration and fund raising, leaving 94% for programs and services.

I first became familar with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank from attending the Pittsburgh Blues Festival many years ago. The proceeds of the festival benefit the food bank. Since the festival has moved to Hartwood Acres several years ago, they have a great event on Friday evening called "Free Fridays" where admission is free if you bring food donations. They literally need tractor trailers to haul away the amount of food danations they get from this event alone.

Thruout the year the GOCFB sponsors many other events to collect food for those in need, such as the upcoming "Empty Bowls" event, where bowls are donated to them and donors buy the bowls and have a simple dinner of soup and bread. All the proceeds go to the food bank.

The food bank is also proactive thru mailings, emails and an excellent newsletter. They are by far the best non-profit I've ever seen where it regards raising donations thru awareness.

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is always at the top of my list dollar-wise when it comes to making donations. Thay truly make a huge difference for those in need.

I have volunteered at a number of the Glean events--it was a lot of fun getting out on a farm and harvesting food from the source! I enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people and see parts of PA I would not have ever ventured to see on my own.

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank does an excellent job serving its target population, and has done so without fail for many, many years. That we have hungry people in this rich country is a travesty, and more of our fortunate citizens should help to correct this injustice.

i had the opportunity to volunteer at the Food Bank several years ago and I could not believe what a wonderful place it is. The facility is huge, and the people who work there are so caring and giving. I wish I had more free time so I could spend more time helping out.

The Pittsburgh Food bank is an amazing organization. It's been my pleasure to volunteer there. I feel that their regular time employees really make all the difference.

I have been a donor to the GPCFB, as well as a volunteer on several occasions. I was introduced to the organization through a United Way Day of Caring opportunity, and "fell in love." These folks provide such a wonderful service to our community. After my introduction, I have tried to introduce many more people to the organization, including Girl Scout Troop 51018, which sold cookies for the benefit of GPCFB and had the opportunity to visit the facility and learn about all of the wonderful programs provided by it.

As a board member of an organization that has members donate food, money and volunteer time, the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank does an extremely good job at coordinating their large operations. The many individual food banks served by GPCFB have provided many compliments to the distribution system. I also receive GPCFB mailings, which provide volunteering opportunities and, of course, solicit donations. Their communications are professional and unpretentious.

I have volunteered at this foodbank before and had so much fun. The people who work there are all very nice and hepful. You can tell that they love their jobs and only wish to help others

I have worked with different Food Bank staff to coordinate volunteer events for college students that I work with, and have invited speakers from the Food Bank to our campus. The staff at the Food Bank are great to work with--everyone is very friendly, professional, and dedicated to what they do. I am amazed at how efficiently the repack center and all of the Food Bank's operations work. My students and colleagues and I have always had positive experiences volunteering at GPCFB, and I hope to continue to get more students involved in working with them.

I have volunteered with the food bank several times over the last few years and attended many different benefits. I am always impressed with how well run their entire organization is. The team is always friendly, organized, and prepared for whatever is going to happen next. My interactions with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank have always been a pleasant experience!

As a past recruiter of nonprofit internships, I worked with several staff members at the Food Bank in developing position descriptions, outlining expectations and maintaining our partnership. Not only were these staff members some of the most professional and hard-working individuals I have met, but they all shared a deep passion for their mission. Furthermore, the young people we placed at the Food Bank were generously supported throughout their experience. In my opinion, the GPCFB is one of the most effective non-profits in our region.

I met with Anne Hawkins, the Chief Development Director and Maureen Joyce, the Development Web Administrator to get their profile up here on the GNP website. The first thing that struck me was the size of the building. It shouldn't have been surprising, considering the large volume of goods they handle. Through the meeting, I was impressed with the degree of information they had memorized about the organization and its metrics. The level of professionalism, quality and expertise I saw at this organization was very high.

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is one of the most impressively run organizations that I have had experience with. They have a commitment to providing a necissary service to those in need of food assistance in Southwestern Pennsylvania and is striving to help meet the goal set by the State of Pennsylvania to erraticate hunger or "cronic undernurishment" by 2020 by expanding their service and operating at efficiency.

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is an exceptionally run organization. The staff are helpful, friendly, and extremely dedicated to their work, and it is by far one of the most efficiently run food banks I have ever visited. In addition to their warehousing and distribution work, they has several innovative and effective nutrition education and urban agriculture programs. I'm involved with their Farm Stand Project, which brings fresh local produce into low-income communities otherwise lacking access. Going beyond traditional food distribution, the farm stands are one example of the commitment the GPCFB has made to promoting community food security, public health, and a sustainable food system.

From my time at the Food Bank, I was incredibly impressed with the size and scope of their programs, from volunteer involvement to the amount of food they give away each year. The atmosphere was friendly and inviting, and staff were gracious and knowledgeable.