Free food for the public is coming to Leechburg every Saturday in February.
About 1,100 boxes will be distributed Saturday in a drive-thru format from noon-5 p.m. in the Leechburg Fire Hall lot at 268 Canal St.
Saturday’s distribution kicks off the first of a four-day outreach this month.
The event is sponsored by Kiski Valley Community Church in partnership with USDA Farmers to Families Food Box and Convoy of Hope.
Pastor Todd Pugh said the new event is related to ongoing pandemic conditions.
“We’ve been looking and praying for an opportunity to do something helpful in the community and surrounding area,” Pugh said. “When I was invited to be a part of the program, we jumped on it.”
Each box of perishable food items will contain milk, cheese, meat, fruit and veggies.
The food is provided at no cost to the church.
The USDA announced in January the purchase of $1.5 billion worth of food for nationwide distribution.
In total, the USDA has distributed more than 132 million food boxes nationwide through the Farmers to Families Food Box program.
First-come, first-served
There are no pre-qualifications, and anyone may drive up to receive food boxes, but it’s first-come, first-served.
“We do anticipate running out of food boxes,” Pugh said.
About 30 church volunteers are handling the drive-thru flow and distribution Saturday as the delivery truck traveling from New York is set to arrive in Leechburg on Saturday morning.
“We’ll have a full truck each week, so people can return each week,” Pugh said.
Pugh reminded participants that dates and times are subject to change based on the weather and truck delivery schedule.
“Please check our Facebook or website for updates before coming,” Pugh said.
