Mt. Pleasant Food Pantry coordinator Marie Ochaba wasn’t sure how clients would react to two major changes in the monthly food distribution program Tuesday.
First, the scheduled food giveaway at Mt. Pleasant Church of God was held a week early due to a scheduling conflict. Second, the Westmoreland County Food Bank required it become a drive-thru rather than walk-in because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Ochaba, wearing a protective mask, invited a reporter to walk with her outside the church, where about 50 volunteers inside prepped boxes of canned goods, frozen meats, bread and produce for distribution at the church at 936 W. Main St.
Ochaba was taken back when she peeked around the food bank truck into the alley, where members of the borough’s fire department were stationed to assist with traffic control.
Cars were lined up 20 deep in the alley, and running vehicles also filled an adjoining parking lot, waiting for the start of the food distribution.
“Oh my, and we don’t even start for another hour,” Ochaba said.
Ochaba, who has volunteered with pantry for 11 years, including the last five as coordinator, said she usually has between 250 to 270 people registered for the food distribution. She anticipates 288 boxes being distributed this month.
Ochaba said recipients will be happy a food supplier in the New Stanton area delivered a bonus — hundreds of packages of potato chips and pretzels that were distributed along with the normal food allotment.
Volunteer George Hockenberry is assigned to assist with food deliveries at three senior residential facilities in the area, where many do not have the transportation to make it to the church for the monthly distribution.
The covid-19 outbreak has dramatically changed his routine, he said.
“We usually get a lot of cookies when we deliver the boxes to residents,” Hockenberry said.
Hockenberry’s cookie intake, however, will be drastically reduced under new delivery guidelines, he said. Entry into the senior residential facilities is restricted.
Each have set up areas where food can be dropped off and delivered to residents later.
Meanwhile, Ronald Buschel, 52, of Alverton, was among those waiting for the drive-thru to start. He said the food delivery helps him make it through the month.
“It’s really important now with the virus, with so many not having any money coming in,” he said.
“I really appreciate this every month. It really helps me out,” he said, as volunteers loaded boxes into the trunk of his car.
The monthly distribution will return to its normal fourth Tuesday delivery next month on May 26, Ochaba said.
“But we’ll still be a drive-thru. I don’t know how long that will continue with the pandemic,” Ochaba said.
Mt. Pleasant area residents can register by calling 412-601-0798.
