September is Hunger Action Month, and Pitt Police, Staff Council and the Office of Community and Governmental Relations have partnered with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to solicit contributions for two Oakland food pantries: The Pitt Pantry and the Oakland Community Human Services Food Pantry.

Service donations

Staff and faculty are encouraged to take action by volunteering at the monthly Produce-to-People service event on Thursday, Sept. 12. Transportation will be provided to and from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank located in Duquesne, where participants will prepare and distribute bulk foodstuffs to those in need.

Monetary donations

Monetary donations can be made via the campaign’s Crowdrise page. Additionally, donations can be made in person at upcoming events like the Farmers Market, Staff Council general meeting or Healthy U fair. For more details, view the Hunger Action Month flyer.

Unlike previous food drives, this year’s campaign is not accepting food, cash or checks. In-person donations will be handled through Crowdrise via laptop or other mobile devices.

“Pitt has a committed relationship with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, whether it’s through direct service like the monthly Produce to People on-site volunteer opportunities or donation drives like this, that Staff Council spearheads,” said Alex Toner, assistant director of community engagement at CGR. “When you learn that $10 can provide 50 meals, it becomes a no-brainer. By making a number of small donations, our Pitt community can really make a big impact.”