The Salvation Army Launches New Community Gardens through Feeding Families for Life, Funded by The Heinz Endowments
(PITTSBURGH, PA) August 16, 2021 – The Salvation Army Western PA Division recently launched three new Community Gardens through its Feeding Families for Life program, which aims to make fresh, healthy food more accessible for low-income families in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods and "food deserts."
The new Community Gardens, funded by The Heinz Endowments, are located at The Salvation Army’s Worship and Service Centers located in McKeesport, Homewood, and Pittsburgh Temple.
“Our brand new Community Gardens are growing not only fresh vegetables for the individuals and families we serve, but also growing a new perspective on easy and affordable access to nutritious options,” said Major Gregory Hartshorn, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army Western PA Division.
The Salvation Army’s Feeding Families for Life: Fighting Hunger the Healthy Way initiative is so much more than a handout or an occasional hot meal: it’s a fresh perspective on reducing hunger in healthy ways.
Through this program, the people we serve gain access to:
- Fresh produce, lean proteins, and other healthy meal options that are regularly available in our food pantries, soup kitchens and feedings during programs.
- Learning how to budget and afford healthy food choices for everyday meal planning.
In addition to increasing access to fresh produce for our local communities, the Community Gardens will also provide visitors with recipe cards and meal ideas for the veggies produced, making meal planning even easier for families.
“Oftentimes, the families we serve feel restricted to cheaper food options, which includes highly processed foods and items that lack the nutrients we all need to be at our best,” Major Hartshorn said. “Our Community Gardens will feed and educate local communities through Salvation Army programs and food pantries and will surely impact both the physical and mental health of those who benefit from the gardens.”
Feeding Families for Life considers the whole family, holistically inspiring and empowering each generation to not only feel full, but to also feel…and do…better. The goal of the initiative is to empower the people we serve to be healthier by exposure to more wholesome food choices.
The Heinz Endowments is devoted to the mission of helping our region prosper as a vibrant center of creativity, learning, and social, economic and environmental sustainability. Core to our work is the vision of a just community where all are included and where everyone who calls southwestern Pennsylvania home has a real and meaningful opportunity to thrive.
Celebrating over 150 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services without discrimination in 132 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log on to www.wpa.salvationarmy.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.
Contact:
Stephanie Rex, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division
Email | Office: (412) 446-1642 | Cell: (412) 463-2942