'It's Very Troubling That We Have Such A Need'; Emergency Food Giveaway Takes Place In PPG Paints Arena Parking Lots
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It was an early start for some people needing to pick up boxes of food for their families.
This morning, drivers waited for hours in the parking lots at the PPG Paints Arena for Greater Pittsburgh's Food Bank emergency food distribution event.
They're working with the Pittsburgh Penguins and other organizations to help people not go hungry.
People started showing up in the parking lots outside the arena around 6:00 a.m. on Friday.
That's four hours before the distribution was scheduled to begin.
And while this is a scary time for many, there were also many moments of joy and happiness.
"It's very troubling that we have such a need," said Charlese McKinney, Network Development Director for the Great Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
For a lot of families, they don't know when their next meal is.
That's why many are using the Greater Pittsburgh's Food Bank resources for the first time.
"They had jobs they were able to care for their families but their hours have been reduced or their their jobs have been furloughed for a time being," McKinney said.
"A lot of people all of a sudden don't have an income coming in. Unemployment is lagging a little bit," said Jim Blatnick of the Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council
The first vehicle showed up at 6:15 Friday morning.
Others followed soon after. In less than two hours, this large parking lot was filled -- a lot that is typically filled with Penguins fans.
"We have these 26 acres that were not using right now so we thought what a great opportunity to use this as a site," said Tracey McCants-Lewis, Director of Human Resources for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
And with times of uncertainty, in Pittsburgh, that can bring support and appreciation.
"Pittsburgh's awesome! We really put forth and do great things for Pittsburgh," said Pam Dora, who received boxes food.
The food bank said it served 1,300 cars.
Each car received two 25-pound boxes of food, and approximately 65,000 pounds of food was distributed.
The giveaway outside the arena will end at 1:00 p.m. Friday.
