Food bank to give out produce at county fairgrounds
A truckload of fresh fruits and vegetables is on its way to Washington County Fairgrounds Tuesday morning, in hope no one will go hungry for Christmas this year.
That’s the mission of Greater Washington County Food Bank, which is teaming up with Pittsburgh food banks and a produce company to provide some extra help to local families in need this holiday season.
“Right now, I’m happy, and it’s like Santa Claus is filling my stocking,” said Peg Wilson, president of the Washington area food bank.
The distribution event, held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the first building past the fairgrounds entrance, is open to area residents with valid identification cards.
“Anyone that really needs it, we’re giving it to them,” Wilson said.
The distributions will be held once a month, but a regular date has not been established. The fairgrounds donated its building to be used, and Washington & Jefferson College students and teachers will volunteer their time to help out.
In November, which was the first time the event was held, the food bank distributed potatoes, onions, apples and other fresh produce. More than 750 people participated.
Wilson said the food bank is doing well at the moment, but donations always tend to pick up around the holidays, then slow down around February and March. CentiMark Corp. recently donated $50,000 to the food bank, and the organization raised more than $117,000 for its “2000 Turkeys” campaign held before Thanksgiving.