Empowering the Voices of Pittsburgh's Food Insecure: How a Neighborhood Council is Driving Change

In a city where the need for food assistance has reached unprecedented levels, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank has taken a bold step to amplify the voices of those it serves. By launching a Neighbors Leadership Council, the food bank is ensuring that the experiences and insights of its clients are at the forefront of its mission to combat food insecurity.

Transforming Lives, One Meal at a Time

Addressing the Surge in Food Insecurity

This year, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank provided a staggering 48 million meals, the most in its history. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue of food insecurity, with more individuals and families than ever before relying on the food bank's vital services. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the organization has made it a critical priority to amplify the voices of those it serves, ensuring that their needs and experiences shape the food bank's strategies and advocacy efforts.

Empowering Clients through the Neighbors Leadership Council

At the heart of this initiative is the Neighbors Leadership Council, a group of individuals who have firsthand experience with the food bank's services. Elaine Masters, a member of the council, eloquently captures the importance of this platform: "I still have a voice, and I don't want anybody else to go through what I have in these last two years. It was demoralizing. And so I thought, that's what I'm going to do."

Navigating the Challenges of Food Insecurity

Masters' personal journey exemplifies the struggles faced by many of the food bank's clients. A sudden health crisis, marked by a severe concussion and years of misdiagnoses, left her unable to continue her work as an author. As her financial resources dwindled, Masters found herself relying on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and the support of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, which she credits with saving her from homelessness or institutionalization.

Advocating for Change

Empowered by her experiences, Masters has become an outspoken advocate for those in need of the food bank's services. She has traveled to Washington, D.C., six times and even testified before Congress, sharing her story and advocating for policies that address the root causes of food insecurity. Her efforts have already yielded tangible results, as the Neighbors Leadership Council was instrumental in securing funding for the summer EBT program, which provides families with school-age children access to additional food resources during the summer months.

Navigating the Complexities of the System

Masters' personal experiences have given her a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the food bank's clients. She poignantly describes the impact of reduced SNAP benefits, noting that her monthly allotment has plummeted from $182 to just $23. This meager amount, she explains, can only cover the most basic of groceries, leaving many seniors and other vulnerable individuals struggling to make ends meet.

Fostering Collaboration and Advocacy

Colleen Young, the director of government affairs at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, underscores the invaluable contributions of the Neighbors Leadership Council. "They actually were able to advocate to move ahead the funding for the summer EBT program, which allows families with school-age children to get access to $120 over the summer when school is out. Because we know that kids eat a lot," she says.

Sustaining the Fight Against Food Insecurity

Despite the challenges, Masters and the Neighbors Leadership Council remain steadfast in their commitment to driving change. "The system is maddeningly slow, but it does eventually work. We just have to keep speaking out and keep having faith in that system. It will eventually get us there," she affirms.As the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank continues its vital work, the Neighbors Leadership Council stands as a testament to the power of amplifying the voices of those it serves. By empowering clients to share their stories and advocate for their needs, the food bank is not only addressing the immediate crisis of food insecurity but also laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable solutions that will transform lives and strengthen the community.