Outreach & Expansion Project In 2007, the Westmoreland County Food Bank conducted a Gap Study which determined that there were 40,000 people who qualified for but were not receiving food-assistance; this was in addition to the 15,000 already being served by WCFB.   After extensive research and planning, the WCFB Board of Directors agreed to align with Feeding America’s® Strategic Plan for outreach and expansion throughout Westmoreland County.  The focus of this strategy was to find new food, new funds and new friends to assist in reaching the underserved while maintaining quality service for current consumers. Early in the project’s planning stage, The United Way of Westmoreland County partnered with WCFB to provide funds for staff support for the project.  Jeannette, Penn, Harrison City and Grapeville were selected as target areas for the pilot project in 2009 and 2010.  During that time frame, 395 new households were enrolled in the WCFB Food Pantry Distribution Program through the four Jeannette pantry sites. In 2011 and 2012, the Mt. Pleasant/Scottdale areas were the focus of WCFB outreach/expansion efforts; an additional 425 households were added to pantry rolls there.  As we begin a new year in 2013, WCFB will move outreach/expansion efforts to the New Kensington area of Westmoreland County.  The focus areas will include Arnold, Upper Burrell and Lower Burrell.  The pantries will be assessed to insure that they can handle an increase in people seeking food-assistance.   In addition, outreach activities such as direct mailings will be directed towards income-eligible households in the New Kensington area.  WCFB also hopes to disseminate information about the project through the New Kensington/Arnold School District.  Our intention is to raise awareness of the Food Bank and its services.  We want people to be aware of the income guidelines for eligibility and where the pantry sites are located.  Families may be eligible for help and not even know it.  WCFB will be working on developing partnerships through the community to assist in raising awareness and help to increase volunteers at the pantries as participation increases at these sites. Clearly, there is no immunity to hunger.  It affects us all, especially in today’s economic climate.  It’s times like these that make WCFB so important to so many people.  WCFB is here to provide a helping hand to those in need, whenever they need it; and gratefully welcome the support of all those willing to help their neighbors.  WCFB staff is also available to speak to groups and organizations interested in the work that will be done in the New Kensington communities.  Please contact Texie Waddell at 724.468.8660 extension 20 or email her at texie@westmorelandfoodbank.org.		Alerts No active alerts at this time. Upcoming Events Apr 13-14 - Spring Into Action Food Drive (Mt Pleasant Walmart) Apr 20-21 - Spring Into Action Food Drive (Delmont Walmart) April 27 - Scouting for Food May 11 - Stamp Out Hunger May 12 - Spring Into Action Food Drive (Greensburg Sam's Club) May 18-19 - Spring Into Action Food Drive (Latrobe Walmart) May 25-26 - Spring Into Action Food Drive (Irwin Food Drive)  Volunteer Spotlight Our Volunteers help make an impact by donating a few hours of time every week! Read more... eStore Show your support by purchasing some great WCFB merchandise. Check out our featured item, WCFB 16 oz. tumbler! Shop Now! Virtual Food Drive You can now donate toward the purchase of the food in the monthly food box received by our clients. Fill a Cart Now!