Serving North Versailles and East McKeesport

Supported by St. John’s Lutheran Church, North Versailles

Even during the summer when we applied for and received the Apostles Grant, we had no idea how much more difficult the circumstances of our constituency would become. The demand grew and we stretched to meet it. Fortunately, the pending grants for which we had applied materialized to help us underwrite the costs of both food distributions and retrofitting the Pantry to protect our volunteers and the public from the coronavirus. As indicated in our application, MA’s Pantry was aware of a significant population of “hidden” persons in urgent need of food assistance but homebound by age, infirmity, disability, lack of transportation or other constraints. Our initiative to locate them and connect with them took on new urgency and new forms. Our community outreach was amplified and facilitated by the purchase of a variety of professionally printed outreach posters, fliers, door hangers and notices. These all bear the colorful photo of fresh produce associated with the identity of MA’s Pantry throughout the community.

The distribution of this information and publicity (one might say advertising) throughout the community not only resulted in a large increase in the number of home deliveries but also in invitations to appear on a local radio talk show, speak at meetings of community groups, and otherwise connect with a variety of community leaders. The multiplying effect of these expanding circles has produced volunteers, donors, and other support.

The bottom line is that MA’s Pantry was able to greatly expand its outreach using the Apostles Grant resources.So, it is with sincere appreciation for the resources provided by the Apostles in Action grant and the match from Saint John’s that we report marked achievement measured in growth in the number of families served and in community contacts.Moreover, the materials created, and contacts developed do not end with the grant.These will continue to reap benefits for the foreseeable future.