Feeding the Community: How Corporate Partnerships Fuel the Fight Against Food Insecurity

In the heart of Pittsburgh, the 43rd annual KDKA-TV Turkey Fund is underway, and the community is rallying together to support this vital initiative. This year, the spotlight shines on the critical role that local corporate partners play in addressing food insecurity throughout the region. As the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank continues its mission of nourishing the community, these partnerships have become a driving force in their efforts.

Empowering the Community, One Meal at a Time

Eat'n Park Hospitality Group: A Decades-Long Commitment to Feeding the Hungry

For nearly four decades, Eat'n Park Hospitality Group has been a steadfast corporate partner of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Trina DeMarco, the director of community partnerships for the company, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration, stating, "Forty years of caring for our neighbors and ensuring that they have access to fresh food." This longstanding commitment is a testament to the food bank's hard work and the company's dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.Eat'n Park's involvement extends beyond financial contributions. Each year, the company sends volunteers to the food bank, rolling up their sleeves to pack boxes and prepare food for distribution. DeMarco describes this as "an incredible privilege" and a way for the company to give back to the community it calls home. The partnership is a true embodiment of the company's values, which prioritize hospitality, service, and a deep-rooted passion for food.

Celebrating 75 Years of Giving Back

In honor of Eat'n Park's 75th anniversary, the company has made an additional $75,000 donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. This generous contribution will be directed towards the food bank's Advanced Choice Program, ensuring that community members have access to fresh produce when and how they need it most.DeMarco emphasizes the significance of this milestone, stating, "Our $75,000 gift will be donated to the Advanced Choice Program at the food bank, helping ensure that our neighbors have access to produce when and how they need it." This investment not only supports the food bank's mission but also reflects Eat'n Park's commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges of food insecurity.

Food as Comfort, Connection, and Tradition

For the team at Eat'n Park, food is more than just sustenance; it's a source of comfort, connection, and tradition. DeMarco eloquently captures this sentiment, saying, "For more than 75 years, Eat'n Park restaurants have been a gathering place for generations of Pittsburghers. You know we think a lot about food as fuel, and that is very important. But food is also comfort. It's connections. It's nostalgia. And it's hope. And around the holidays having those things is more important than ever."This holistic understanding of the role of food in people's lives underscores the company's dedication to supporting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank's efforts. By ensuring that all community members have access to warm meals and a welcoming table, Eat'n Park Hospitality Group is not only addressing immediate needs but also fostering a sense of belonging and community.

The Power of Partnerships: Changing Lives, Strengthening Communities

The partnership between Eat'n Park Hospitality Group and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is a testament to the transformative power of corporate-community collaborations. DeMarco emphasizes the significance of these alliances, stating, "Partnerships that can change a community and can change our neighbors' lives. We are so delighted to play even a small role in this region toward alleviating food insecurity and supporting the great work of the Turkey Fund and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank."As the KDKA-TV Turkey Fund continues its vital work, the support of corporate partners like Eat'n Park Hospitality Group becomes even more crucial. These partnerships not only provide essential resources but also inspire others to join the fight against food insecurity, creating a ripple effect of hope and change throughout the community.