Mayor Bill Peduto announced Wednesday a new pilot program that will enhance the immediate need of Public Safety to have access of food for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
The City of Pittsburgh and Food Bank will work with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire and the Office of Community Health and Safety to deliver food to those in need by responding firefighters.
“Too many members of our community have unmet needs, including food insecurity, that impacts their mental and physical wellbeing,” said Mayor William Peduto.
“Working with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire and OCH&S and the Food Bank, we are able to pair high utilizers of public safety services with shelf stable food to improve the overall health of our residents.”
Lt. Chad Hirosky and Dr. Shiela Roth developed the pilot program. It will receive referrals from firefighters and make home visits to people who frequently call 9-1-1 for non-emergency health and safety situations.
“This pilot program with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire and the Office of Community Health & Safety is one more innovative tool in our toolbox to fulfill our mission, which is to feed people in need and mobilize our community to eliminate hunger,” said President and CEO of Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Lisa Scales.
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