Through the tough times, the organizations push forward to end hunger.
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank continues to put food on the tables of people in need across the region—with the number of families served growing every month because of an economy riddled with layoffs, unemployment benefits running out and other economic challenges. Currently serving 120,000 people per month, according to Iris Valanti, public relations director at the food bank, the organization also has been serving 3,500 new families every month this year. “We are seeing the results of some layoffs and unemployment and also underemployment—people making less wages or working part-time,” Valanti said. “The economy has definitely made a difference.” In 2009, the food bank was serving 1,500 new families a month, while in 2010, …
Former Pittsburgh Steelers runningback Jerome Bettis met with fans at two area Panera Bread locations on Saturday in an effort to create awareness and raise money for his foundation, The Bus Stops Here.
To millions around the world, Jerome Bettis is known as 'The Bus,' the powerful retired Pittsburgh Steelers runningback. He's also a role model. On Saturday, hundreds of children—all with stars in their eyes—visited with Bettis, their hero, as he read Dr. Seuss' book, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." "That was one of my favorites when I was a kid," Bettis told the Plum-Oakmont Patch. "Whenever I have a chance to read to kids, I read that book because it reminds me of when I was a kid." Panera Bread partnered with Bettis and The Bus Stops Here Foundation to help Pittsburgh’s underprivileged youth. Bettis visited the Penn Center Panera Café in Wilkins and the Waterfront Panera Café in Homestead for a free storytime and a meet-and-greet. …
