For the second year in a row, StarKist teamed up with Feed the Children and Focus Pittsburgh to give 16,000 pounds of food to 400 needy families in Pittsburgh’s Hill District.
And for the second year in a row, it was a welcome success, according to those such as Tamarra Thomas.
“This is a beautiful event,” said Thomas, who came with her niece, Amaya Story. “I heard about it late last year—but they still had food for me. So, this year, I told some friends that didn’t know about it and they’re here. It’s very helpful, and the kids love the books and activities, too.”
The event was held June 22.
Focus Pittsburgh Director Father Paul Abernathy said unlike last year when all the recipients came at once, the families—all residents of the Bedford Hill Apartments who had been pre-selected via mail by Focus Pittsburgh—came to the parking lot at 2129 Bedford Ave. in waves to received their 25-pound food boxes, including StarKist products and 15-pound boxes of essentials and personal care items.
“That worked out better, especially with the heat—so it doesn’t look as big, but it is,” said Father Abernathy. “Plus, it gives everyone a chance to see all the other providers here and for the kids to do the activities.”
Some of the additional service providers with booths at the event included the Hill House, Coro, the YMCA, Pennsylvania Women Work and the Pittsburgh Food Bank.
Feed the Children COO Gary Sloan was impressed.
“This is incredible,” he said. “I’ve been to a few of these before, but this is outstanding. Focus Pittsburgh and StarKist are incredible partners and have done a great job.”
He said this is their kick-off event for the summer, with another coming up July 27 in Los Angeles, California.
StarKist Director of Marketing and Innovation Andy Mecs was similarly impressed.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to be giving back to our community this way, and we’re looking to do more,” he said. “As part of our 100th anniversary StarKist is giving $100,000 to fight childhood hunger through a national partnership with Feed the Children and locally with Focus Pittsburgh, and we’re donating an additional $50,000 in product to Feed the Children.”
Jasmine Boozer, who came with her daughters, 6-year-old Niylah and 1-year-old Royal Goodwin, told the New Pittsburgh Courier that the girls loved the books and activities. She also said she didn’t know about last year’s event, but learned about this one from her brother Brendon Bailey, who is the assistant programming director for Focus Pittsburgh—and who was pretty busy.
“I’m in charge of rounding up stray kids, and I’m helping the residents, especially the elderly, with their packages,” he said. “Just helping out people who need help, and being a positive role model.”
Feed the Children has been fighting hunger in the U.S. and 10 countries abroad since its establishment in 1979. In addition to distributing food, it also provides education, essentials and provides disaster relief. Last year, Feed the Children distributed 105 million pounds of food and essentials worldwide with a total value of $415 million.
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