If you haven’t guessed by now, food is my thing. I love to cook it. I love to eat it. I love to be around it. And if there are people who can’t enjoy food like I can, I want to fix it. Over the years, I have enjoyed serving meals at homeless shelters. It warms my soul to personally prepare a delicious, hearty meal and share it with people who, for at least that afternoon, can experience food not just to sustain themselves but as a communal experience like so many of us do.
Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to join my colleagues for a day of volunteering at Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. It wasn’t your traditional day of sorting food, packing boxes, taking inventory, or doing administrative tasks. I was a “shopping buddy.” I didn’t know what to expect or even if patrons wanted someone to shop with. What I learned quickly was that they did want someone to greet them with a smile and accompany them on their shopping trip.
There were patrons of all ages. Some between jobs. Some a little down on their luck. Some were University students waiting for their grants or loan checks to arrive. But they all appreciated the dignity that comes with walking down the market isles and selecting the items that appealed to them. Before the shoppers arrived, we helped stock shelves and prepare the market by arranging items and produce in a way that made it appealing. I was immediately drawn to the produce. I love the shapes and textures and colors. I arranged oranges and apples in neat little rows and onions of various colors.
But this is just part of the story. For more of it, I talked with Charlese McKinney. Charlese is the visionary behind The Market and the one who helps create this experience week after week.
Tell us about food insecurity in this region. What are the numbers?
Across southwestern Pennsylvania, 1 in 10 individuals and 1 in 8 children are living with food insecurity. Often this looks like parents skipping meals so their kids can eat; seniors choosing food over getting prescriptions filled; and families choosing to only eat meat one day a week.
What was your inspiration and vision behind The Market?
There is an unfair stigma attached to food assistance that prevents so many of our neighbors in need from coming to us for food assistance. We created the Market to fight that stigma and as a safe space that is welcoming and full of resources even beyond food. Other things we provide include assistance completing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications, utility assistance and connections to tax preparation help, just to name a few.
This work is very personal to me. I have a deep commitment to helping our neighbors who find themselves struggling to make ends meet. I grew up in poverty and remained there until early adulthood. I understand how difficult it is to reach out for help, so it was important to me that we provide a positive experience when our neighbors do reach out to us. I am really proud of how we serve our neighbors with compassion, dignity and respect.
How have your customers and community reacted?
The responses from our guests have been very positive. Many are pleasantly surprised by the variety of groceries, which includes many essential non-food items like cleaning products and personal hygiene items.
One mother shared how being able to get help at The Market makes her feel. “The high cost of groceries is so overwhelming. I always run out of food stamps before the next month. I spend so much on basic groceries so I can’t afford fruit or fresh vegetables. My daughter absolutely loves fresh fruit and vegetables and when she asks for it at the store I have to say ‘no’. When she says, ‘why mommy’ I have to say, ‘I’m sorry baby, but it just costs too much’. It breaks my heart because I don’t want her to struggle with her weight like me. She enjoys a fresh apple like it is the best thing in the world. It makes me feel good inside to know that someone is blessing us with food. It makes me feel good to know people care.”
What is a shopping buddy?
Shopping buddies accompany The Market guests with shopping carts as they make their product selections. They encourage families to try a variety of healthy nutritious food and fresh produce. While shopping, the shopping buddies share recipes and help guests find the items needed to prepare the meal. Most important, they’re a friend to share a conversation with and to make the trip to The Market a fun experience.
On a more personal note – When cooking, what is your go to meal?
When I cook, my go to meal is tacos. Besides the variety of amazing flavors, you can make the meal as simple or elaborate as you want. For me, it depends on how much time I have and the ingredients I have on hand. Setting up a taco bar for family gatherings is one of my favorite things because everyone gets to please their palates through their own creations.
This story celebrates both givers and receivers and the inspiration that comes from personal experience to drive change and create something better. Thank you Charlese and the staff and volunteers at Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank for all that you do each day. Visit this link to read about more amazing work and to find those volunteer opportunities just waiting for you.