Cam Heyward, Steelers players hand out turkeys

Guests of the Market at Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank received a big surprise on Monday morning when they were met with Pittsburgh Steelers Cam Heyward, Alex Highsmith, T.J. Watt, Larry Ogunjobi, Markus Golden, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Breiden Fehoko, Armon Watts and Jonathan Marshall handing out turkeys and helping people shop.

Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle, has hosted a turkey giveaway for the last five years at food bank locations throughout the Pittsburgh area via his foundation, the Heyward House.

“We always get a great turnout from our teammates and we’re very thankful for the food bank giving us a chance to serve and come out here and support our community,” Heyward said.

Members of the Steelers defense team could be seen at the food bank’s market in Duquesne volunteering as “buddy shoppers,” loading turkeys into people’s carts and restocking shelves.

“I love the market they have here because it takes away that bias and that feeling of not being able to shop for yourself,” Heyward said. “People can come here and feel like regular humans and shop for themselves.”

Brian Gulish, vice president of marketing and communication at Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, said that the food bank collaborates with the Heyward House multiple times throughout the year.

“For (Cam) it’s really about bringing everyone together,” Gulish said. “Community is in our name and that’s everything that they’re doing. They come down, they support the community and for our guests, it’s a thrill that they get to see some of these players – some of the same players they watch on the field.”

The market in Duquesne opened about a year ago. It offers non-perishables along with meats, dairy products and fresh produce.

“There are a lot of items here that are grocery store staples,” Gulish said. “When folks come here, we’re able to offer them dignity and they can feel like they have a warm and welcoming place to come and get food.”

Heyward and his teammates gave out 150 turkeys at the event.

“We just want to be here in everyday life for you guys and provide that time to show our character and what we’re about,” Heyward said.

Gulish said that around the holidays, the market will see about 150 to 200 families per day. During a “normal week,” it serves about 1,000 families. Last year, the food bank distributed enough food for up to 42 million meals. With those meals, 12.5 million pounds of produce were delivered.

“I think it’s just so important (to give back),” said Highsmith, linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers. “I think it’s more fun, more important to give than to receive, so what Cam is doing here with his foundation is awesome. It’s just always fulfilling when you’re giving back to people in need. It’s always a blessing. I know we’ve been given a platform for a reason and it’s to be a blessing to others. To be able to give back just means the world.”