December 8, 2023 2023 Food Resources Organizations around the Greater Pittsburgh area are providing food distributions and pantry resources to serve those needing assistance through December 2023. (This article was updated on December 8, 2023 to reflect the latest distribution events and schedules). FOOD ASSISTANCE UPDATES: SNAP Benefit Amount Increases October 2023 New Food Safety Fact Sheets Available Free Breakfast Offered for the 2023-24 School Year Resources for Changes to SNAP Benefits Food Distribution Events Walk-In Food Distribution at The Hub The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center, 7219 Kelly Street, Pittsburgh, PA. 15208 | 12 – 5 p.m. Visit The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center every Monday from 12 – 5 p.m. to receive free food items, including sandwiches, fruit, baked goods, and more! Participants may pick up a variety of perishable food items on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. This food distribution is walk-in only. Food items are provided by 412 Food Rescue. Visit Trying Together’s events webpage to view The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center food distribution schedule. For more information, call The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center at 412.545.5039. Veterans Leadership Program Pittsburgh Military Share Food Distribution 2934 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15201 | 12 p.m. – until supplies are gone. Monday, 12/11 All veterans in need of food are welcome. For more information, email info@vlpwpa.org. Community Human Services (CHS) Food Pantry Distribution 370 Lawn Street, Pittsburgh, Pa, 15213 Food consists of bread, pastries, bottled water, dairy items which include butter, cheese, milk, and eggs, household goods such as paper towels, pet food (cats/dogs), fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, canned goods, pasta, and meat options which include pork, turkey, fish, and beef. There are no income eligibility requirements to access this pantry. Walk up distribution only. No delivery. The only requirement to access the pantry is to complete a brief demographic intake form which can be completed on the day. Intake forms do not ask for ID or immigration status. Wednesday, 12/13 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, 12/14 | 3 – 6 p.m. Wednesday 12/20 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, 12/21 | 3 – 6 p.m. Wednesday, 12/27 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, 12/28 | 3 – 6 p.m. Any questions can go directly to the head of the pantry at cmcwhertor@chscorp.org or 412.246.1639. Islamic Center of Pittsburgh Food Distribution 4100 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213 | Saturday, 12/16 | 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. The food pantry is open for walk-ins every third Saturday of each month. Please register for a box from the food pantry prior to arrival. The registration form opens on the last week of each month and closes on the first week of the new month. For more information, email foodpantry@icp-pgh.org or text us at 412.206.1993. Baldwin Community UMC Lord’s Pantry 5001 Baptist Road, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15236 | Friday, 12/15 (a week earlier due to Christmas)| 12 – 2:30 p.m. This is a drive through food distribution held on the fourth Thursday of the month in the church circle. Please do not arrive before 9:30 a.m. to get in line. For more information or to help with the distribution, contact Susan Eyrolles at 412.882.9300, ext. 229 or email seyrolles@baldwincommunityumc.com. Veterans Leadership Program Johnstown Military Share Food Distribution 727 Goucher Street, Johnstown, Pa. 15905 | Friday, 12/22 | 12 p.m. – until supplies are gone. All veterans in need of food are welcome. For more information, email info@vlpwpa.org. Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Distribution Schedules Allegheny County Drive-Up Distribution Schedule Allegheny Valley JC Penney at the Galleria, 590 Pittsburgh Mills Boulevard, Tarentum, PA. 15084 Tuesday, 12/12 | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. McKeesport Founders Hall Middle School, 1960 Eden Park Boulevard, McKeesport, PA. 15132 Saturday, 12/16 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. West End Ascension Church, 114 Berry Street, Pittsburgh, PA. 15205 Tuesday, 12/19 | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Wilkinsburg (This distribution will have pre-packed boxes) 225 Penn Avenue (Intersection of Penn Avenue and North Trenton), Pittsburgh, PA. 15221 Saturday, 12/02 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. Allegheny County Walk-In Distribution Schedule Oakland/Schenley Plaza 4100 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15260 Wednesday, 12/06 | 3:30 – 5 p.m. Southside (This distribution will have pre-packed boxes) Southside Market House, 12th and Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA. 15203 Wednesday, 12/20 | 5:30 – 7 p.m. Homewood Faison K-5, 7430 Tioga Street, Pittsburgh, PA. 15208 Saturday, 12/09 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. Northside Pittsburgh King PreK-8, 50 Montgomery Place, Pittsburgh, PA. 15212 Saturday, 12/09 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. Additional Resources Local Resources Find food distributions and access based on zip code or region by visiting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Find Food online tool. For other resources, visit the Resource Beyond Food webpage. If you are a senior, or know a senior, that needs food assistance, visit the Senior Boxes webpage to learn more. Share this flyer with your networks. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Market is an onsite pantry where eligible neighbors can shop for grocery items at no cost. Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 1 – 4p.m. *Please arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to closing. Find more information and the 2023 distribution calendar.
May 31, 2023 Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition Hosting Community Feedback Meetings The Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition and the City of Pittsburgh are hosting a series of community feedback meetings on their Allegheny County Digital Equity Plan and are inviting community members to come discuss their digital needs with community leaders. Held at various locations throughout the summer, all residents of Allegheny County are encouraged to attend. About Community Feedback Meetings What are the community feedback meetings? At community feedback meetings, community leaders will ask attendees for feedback on the draft Digital Equity Plan for Allegheny County and ask questions about digital technology in attendees lives. Why are these meetings taking place? The Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition needs to ensure that their Digital Equity Plan addresses residents’ digital needs. The coalition must understand what residents need so they can use any funding offered to give all residents equal access to digital technology and information. Who participates in meetings? Meetings will consist of Allegheny County residents and community leaders. Leaders involved in the Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition, the City of Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County will lead the meetings and collect feedback from residents. When will the meetings take place? Meetings will be held throughout the summer of 2023. To see a complete schedule of meetings, visit the City of Pittsburgh website. Where will the meetings take place? The coalition will host meetings in locations across Allegheny County. Additionally, they will host a number of virtual meetings. To find a full list of meeting dates, times, locations, and registration links, visit the City of Pittsburgh website. Learn More To learn more, visit the City of Pittsburgh website.
May 22, 2023 CitiParks Announces Summer Activity Schedules for Concerts, Movies, and More The City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks & Recreation (CitiParks) Office of Special Events has announced its 2023 Summer Concert Series, 2023 Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park, and 2023 Farmers Market schedules. 2023 Summer Concert Series Three concert series will feature 22 events free to the public, including a July 9 performance by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. “Stars at Riverview” Series “Stars at Riverview” will once again bring local artists to Riverview Park on Saturday evenings throughout the entire summer. Concert-goers are invited to bring a lawn chair or spread a blanket on Observatory Hill for incredible musical entertainment sponsored by the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). Each week concerts will be followed by a showing of “Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park”. This series will take place each Saturday between June 10 an August 26, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Riverview Park on Observatory Hill. Performances are as follows: June 10: Trio Nova June 17: Charelle Unique & Soul Drip June 24: Ken Karsh Trio July 1: Louie Castle & the Rooks July 8: Lee Robinson & ISKA July 15: Roger Humphries & the R.H. Factor Band July 22: R.E.D. Experience July 29: Rick Finkelstein August 5: Ronni Weiss & Friends August 12: Thomas Wendt Quartet August 19: Steel City Calypso August 26: NASH.V.ILL “Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch” Series “Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch” is a fan-favorite that entertains among the gardens of Mellon Park. Presented with support from WQED-FM 89.3, attendees can satisfy their appetite for classical music on Sunday mornings, accompanied by a “Best Brunch” competition during intermission. Join to celebrate 50 years of WQED along with a return of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to the program. This series will take place each Sunday between June 25 and July 30, from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Mellon Park on Fifth and Shady Avenues. Performances are as follows: June 25: Munhall Community Band July 2: KleZlectic July 9: Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra July 16: Allegheny Brass Band July 23: North Pittsburgh Symphonic Band July 30: NEW – Local Artist Showcase “Reservoir of Jazz” Series Jazz enthusiasts can relax on the lawn at Highland Park to the sounds of performances by Pittsburgh’s finest musicians during the ever-popular “Reservoir of Jazz” series. This series is supported by the Highland Park Community Council and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). This series will take place each Sunday between August 6 – 27, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Highland Park on Highland Avenue and Reservoir Drive. Performances are as follows: August 6: Roger Humphries & the R.H. Factor Band August 13: Deanna Witkowski Trio August 20: MCG Jazz presents Aurora August 27: Reggie Watkins Quartet Learn More For more information and complete event schedules, visit pittsburghpa.gov/events. In case of inclement weather or event cancellation, follow @PghEventsOffice on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates throughout the summer. 2023 Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park In July and August, return to your favorite weekly movie location for Cinema in the Park. The 2023 schedule includes contemporary box office hits such as “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and “Lightyear”, while also offering classic titles including “Matilda” and “Jaws”. All movies are presented to the public free of charge and begin at dusk. Schenley Park – Schenley Plaza Movies at this venue are presented in partnership with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy every Sunday between July 2 and August 27. Showings are as follows: July 2: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG) July 9: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13) July 16: Matilda (PG) July 23: DC League of Super-Pets (PG) July 30: Shrek (PG) August 6: Turning Red (PG) August 13: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG) August 20: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) August 27: Sunset Boulevard (1950) (not rated) West End Overlook – Rue Grande Vue Street Movies at this venue will take place Monday, July 3 and Monday, July 31. Showings are as follows: July 3: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG) July 31: Shrek (PG) Banksville Park – Crane Avenue Movies at this venue are presented in partnership with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy on Monday, July 10, and Monday, August 7. Showings are as follows: July 10: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13) August 7: Turning Red (PG) McBride Park – McBride Street Movies at this venue will take place Monday, July 17 and Monday, August 14. Showings are as follows: July 17: Matilda (PG) August 14: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG) Highland Park – Reservoir Drive Movies at this venue are presented in partnership with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy on Monday, July 24, and Monday, August 21. Showings are as follows: July 24: DC League of Super-Pets (PG) August 21: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) Ormsby Park – S. 22nd Street Movies at this venue will take place Tuesdays between July 11 and 25, and August 8 and 22. Showings are as follows: July 11: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13) July 25: DC League of Super-Pets (PG) August 8: Turning Red (PG) August 22: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) Schenley Park – Flagstaff Hill Movies at this venue will take place each Wednesday between July 12 and August 30. Showings are as follows: July 12: Top Gun (1986) (PG-13) July 19: School of Rock (PG-13) July 26: Batman (1989) (PG-13) August 2: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (PG-13) August 9: The Batman (PG-13) August 16: Back to the Future (PG) August 23: Cave Rescue (PG-13) August 30: Cool Hand Luke (PG) Brookline Memorial Park – Oakridge Street Movies at this venue will take place Thursdays between July 6 and 20, and August 3 and 17. Showings are as follows: July 6: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG) July 20: Matilda (PG) August 3: Shrek (PG) August 17: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG) Arsenal Park – 40th St. at Davison St Movies at this venue will take place Fridays between July 14 and 28, and August 11 and 25. Showings are as follows: July 14: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13) July 28: DC League of Super-Pets (PG) August 11: Turning Red (PG) August 25: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) Grandview Park – Bailey Avenue Movies at this venue will take place each Saturday between July 1 and August 26. Showings are as follows: July 1: The Incredibles (PG) July 8: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG) July 15: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13) July 22: Matilda (PG) July 29: DC League of Super-Pets (PG) August 5: Shrek (PG) August 12: Turning Red (PG) August 19: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG) August 26: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) Riverview Park – Observatory Hill Movies at this venue will take place each Saturday between July 1 and August 26. Showings are as follows: July 1: Jaws (PG) July 8: Fall (PG-13) July 15: Top Gun (1986) (PG-13) July 22: School of Rock (PG-13) July 29: Batman (1989) (PG-13) August 5: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (PG-13) August 12: The Batman (PG-13) August 19: Back to the Future (PG) August 26: Cave Rescue (PG-13) Learn More Cinema in the Park is presented by Dollar Bank with 100.7 Star serving as media partner. 2023 Farmers Market All markets sell farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, and baked goods, while several locations also sell flowers, small gifts, and hot prepared foods to go. The Squirrel Hill Market opens one week early, with a special market on Sunday, May 14 to celebrate Mother’s Day. This special day at our Squirrel Hill Market will include a photo booth and a Mother’s Day Card crafting table for kids. Normal market operations begin Sunday, May 21, and will run through November 20. 2023 Market Locations & Schedule The 2023 market locations and schedule are as follows: Sundays: Squirrel Hill, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Beacon/Bartlett parking lot May 14 – November 19 Mondays: East End, 3 – 7 p.m. Liberty Green Park, Larimer Ave. May 22 – November 20 Wednesdays: Carrick, 3 – 7 p.m. Carrick Dairy District, 1529 Brownsville Rd. May 24 – November 15 Fridays: North Side, 3 – 7 p.m. Allegheny Commons Park, East Ohio St. & Cedar Ave. May 26 – November 17 Learn More All four CitiParks Farmers Markets accept food stamps (SNAP), and credit and debit cards as part of Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program. SNAP shoppers can get fresh, nutritious, and locally-grown food, including produce, meat, dairy, bread and baked goods, produce plants, seeds, and honey. (Hot prepared food items, alcohol, and non-food items are not eligible for SNAP purchases.) Food Bucks give Fresh Access food stamp shoppers extra money to spend on fruits and veggies. For every $5 spent on food stamps, receive an extra $2 to spend on produce. For more information, visit justharvest.org/fresh-access This year, the East End Market will feature a booth operated by Catapult who will rotate through new food entrepreneurs as part of their food business incubator program. 25 Carrick will provide entertainment for the Carrick Market with DJs from their youth apprenticeship program. CitiParks is also excited to help foster the next generation of up-and-coming young farmers and budding Pittsburgh urban growers with a shared communal stand at the Squirrel Hill Market. One additional surprise for this year’s Markets is an original oil painting by local artist Marlon Gist, commissioned by the City. Marlon’s painting captures the colorful spirit of Farmers Markets, and; his artwork will be on display during opening week at all 4 Markets.
May 15, 2023 City of Pittsburgh Invites Community Members to Attend In-Person Budget Meetings The City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Management and Budget is inviting Pittsburgh residents to share their input on the City’s 2024 Capital and Operating Budgets at a series of in-person community meetings. At these meetings, residents will have the opportunity to provide input about their budget priorities, prior to Department Directors creating their budget proposals. The information residents share will inform Director proposals. About In-Person Budget Meetings The City will host four in-person community engagement meetings to gather input from residents on their priorities for the 2024 budget. Meetings will take place: SOUTH Wednesday, May 17 | 6 p.m. Phillips Recreation Center 201 Parkfield Street Pittsburgh, PA 15210 NORTH Thursday, May 18 | 6 p.m. Manchester Citizens Corporation Center 1319 Allegheny Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233 WEST Thursday, June 1 | 6 p.m. Sheraden Senior Center 720 Sherwood Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15204 EAST Wednesday, June 7 | 6 p.m. Homewood Senior Center 7321 Frankstown Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Residents are encouraged to register for their preferred meeting and take the online survey available at: 2024 City of Pittsburgh Budgets | Engage Pittsburgh (pittsburghpa.gov). Dinner will be provided for all in-person budget engagement meetings. Learn More To learn more, view the flyer. Distribute this flyer to your networks.
May 3, 2023 Ultimate Play Day Returns to Pittsburgh on Sunday, May 7 Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative, alongside event partners Trying Together, Citiparks, and ZeroFossil, will host its annual Ultimate Play Day from 1 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 7. Ultimate Play Day is an opportunity for people throughout the Pittsburgh region to gather together, play together, and raise awareness of the benefits of play for everyone. This year, Ultimate Play Day will be held at Lower McKinley Park in the Beltzhoover/Knoxville area of Pittsburgh. Local partners and community organizations offer play activities for all ages each year. This year, more than 28 vendors are participating with hands-on playful activities, entertainment, and refreshments. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of “playful” activities from vendors, including ultimate frisbee, basketball, soccer, imagination/dramatic play with costumes, bean bag toss, oversized classic games like Connect 4 and Jenga, and plenty of arts and crafts projects. Share the Ultimate Play Day flyer with your friends, family, and neighbors! Ultimate Play Day is a part of Remake Learning Days. Remake Learning Days returns to Southwestern PA May 4 – May 23, 2023. A special thank you to Remake Learning for providing a mini-grant to The Collaborative for Ultimate Play Day. SLB Radio Ultimate Play Day Interview Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative was a special guest on the Neighborhood Voices show, hosted by The Saturday Light Brigade, to talk about Ultimate Play Day! Assistant Director of Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative Adam James and Nicole Stevens from Beltzhoover Consensus Group joined SLB Radio to talk about this special day of play, why play is important for everyone, and how this event will connect neighbors throughout the City of Pittsburgh. Visit the Ultimate Play Day webpage to listen to this interview. Getting to Ultimate Play Day Ultimate Play Day is the same day as the Pittsburgh Marathon. That means there will be adjusted traffic patterns to be aware of, but that won’t stop the fun! You can find additional directions to get to Lower McKinley Park on the Ultimate Play Day webpage. Check out this map provided by the Pittsburgh Marathon to check the rolling road closures and openings on Sunday, May 7. Lower McKinley Park Learn more about Lower McKinley Park and its history before Ultimate Play Day. Check out this informational flyer on McKinley Park from Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Remake Learning Days Remake Learning Days hosts 1200+ learning events reaching 150,000 families. The festival features events across the southwestern PA region for youth, families, grandparents, caregivers and educators to explore creative and fun ways of learning. For more information, visit remakelearningdays.org/southwesternpa. Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative is a group of organizations dedicated to advancing the importance of play in the lives of children, families, and communities in the Pittsburgh region by raising awareness on play being a critical life element for people of all ages, educating decision-makers (from parents to legislators) to support access to play for all, and modeling play through various recreational and professional activities. For more information, visit playfulpittsburgh.org.
February 8, 2022 Pittsburgh Mayor Schedules Community Forums City of Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey’s transition organization announced a series of community meetings, an online engagement portal, and a resident input message center that will allow residents to provide input to help guide the work and policy recommendations of the transition committees. One meeting will focus on education and workforce development. About According to a news release, the meetings, online portal, and message center aim to provide an opportunity to capture and empower the diverse voices of communities across the city. Residents will be able to weigh in on some of the city’s most pressing issues including equitable development, education and workforce development, infrastructure and environment, and community health and safety. Meetings Schedule The schedule of community meetings is as follows: Equitable Development – Monday, February 21, 2022 at 6 p.m. Education and Workforce Development – Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 6 p.m. Community Health and Safety – Monday, February 28, 2022 at 6 p.m. Infrastructure and Environment – Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 6 p.m. All of the community forums will take place virtually. All citizens interested in participating are asked to register through the online portal designed to accommodate multi-lingual residents. Residents who may not have access to technology to participate in online events are invited to call 412.267.7592 and leave a voice message in their primary language to share their ideas. Messages will be transcribed and shared with the transition committees. All community organizations and community advocacy groups are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas on these platforms and via community meetings. The portal also includes a survey that will be updated every two weeks, and an “idea wall” where residents will have the ability to submit ideas through March 15, 2022. More Information For more information, view the full news release or visit Mayor Gainey’s transition website.
June 10, 2020 Citiparks Offers Take-Home Literacy and Math Camp Program From June 15 to July 24, Citiparks will be offering CitiCamp@Home, a six-week program for families that offers weekly take-home STEM/STEAM projects, games, giveaways, and chances to win prizes. About Families are invited to join Citiparks lead explorer Caterina as she guides explorers through summertime urban adventures! Through conveniently packaged To-Go Kits, families will gain access to everything they need to create great projects that include built-in literacy and math components. Additional resources will be provided by WQED, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Carlow University Education Department, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, and UPMC Children’s Hospital. Pick Up Locations Kits will be available at the Citiparks Summer Grab & Go locations listed below starting Monday, June 15 on a first-come, first-served basis. Ammon Recreation Center Anderson Playground – Schenley Park Arlington Recreation Center Jefferson Recreation Center Magee Recreation Center Moore Park, Brookline Paulson Recreation Center Warrington Recreation Center Northview Heights Public Safety Center Salvation Army – Westside If you are not able to participate in the Summer Food program but would like to play along, printable materials will also be available on the Citiparks website. More Information For more information, read the full press release or call 412.665.3665. Share this flyer with your network.
