Mobile food pantry benefits Blawnox, other communities
Share this post:
Jon Jordan knows some families may need help getting food and supplies.
The food pantries coordinator for Allison Park-based North Hills Community Outreach also believes in bringing blessings to people.
That is why he and other outreach members launched NHCO On the Go, a mobile effort that sets up shop in three locations, including Blawnox, once a month for about an hour at each location.
The program started last year and runs March through October.
People can get fresh produce, frozen seafood, meats, pet food, baby food, diapers and personal hygiene products.
“We felt that would be a nice way to test the waters in some underserved areas to see how receptive people are to what we have to offer,” Jones said. “We have a bunch of services we offer besides a food pantry as well.”
Locations include the Blawnox Municipal Building at 376 Freeport Road, the Free Store along Little Deer Creek Valley Road in West Deer, and Bakerstown Alliance Church in Richland.
“It’s really cool to be able to be out here and to offer these items to people in the communities,” volunteer Kelly King said. “You can really see how excited people get. … I do it just because it’s a really good way to give back and talk to people and get out into the communities.”
Volunteers haul about 600 pounds of food and try to give it all away to people regardless of their income or residency.
“There’s a little sweat equity involved,” Jordan said about making three stops in one day. “It’s a good cause. We get to go out and get food out to people who really need it. It’s a setup and breakdown process. We load up the van (and) move to the next spot. It’s a full day, but it’s also a very rewarding day.”
Keiko Yokota of Aspinwall took home some food and baby supplies from the Blawnox stop last month.
“It’s wonderful,” she said. “Because of inflation, it’s kind of hard to maintain my budget. It’s a great way to get help from here. This stuff helps a lot.”
Blawnox Manager Kathy Ulanowicz commended Jordan and his team for their efforts and said NHCO has full support from the borough.
“I think it’s a great idea,” she said. “I’m happy to be able to set up an area for them to come and distribute the food. We’re always willing (to help). We have a lot of residents that come and get food from here. It’s not income-based. It’s for anyone who wants it, and it’s nice because it’s right along Freeport (Road). Anybody who sees it can stop.”
The borough also helps get the word out about when the next pantry pops up and provides a backup plan for inclement weather.
“They let me know when they’re coming,” Ulanowicz said. “We put (a flyer) on the door so everybody knows when they are coming. If there’s going to be an issue with the weather, our fire department has so generously offered to let them set up inside. Our community is very supportive.”
The pantry returns to Blawnox from 2 to 3 p.m. Sept. 30 and Oct. 28.
Jordan said NHCO’s other pantries, such as the one at its headquarters, Millvale Community Center and Greenstone Methodist Church have income checks for recipients.
More information about the outreach, including how to volunteer and donate to the pantries, is available at nhco.org or by calling 412-487-6316.