The Center for Population Health (CPH) and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (GPCFB) joined forces Tuesday, July 18 to provide free, fresh produce to Moxham residents.
“We planned this event as a way to get the community together and give everyone a safe space to gather,” said Nan McNinney, Center for Population Health Local Food Systems Coordinator. “Everyone was excited to have such an amazing selection of fresh produce available to take home and share with their families. It was so great to see the neighbors get together and we hope to plan events like this in other parts of Cambria County next year.”
Approximately 3,000 pounds of produce was delivered to the Grove Avenue United Methodist Church’s parking lot. A group of volunteers, both children and adults, set up the produce in bins so it could be easily picked. Produce available included peaches, pineapple, apples, cucumbers, cabbage, collard greens, onions, and watermelon.
Moxham residents could choose as much produce as they needed.
“No one should have to choose between paying bills and buying groceries,” said Evie Furrick, GPCFB Food Access Innovations Coordinator. “Through this partnership, we made sure 200 households had fresh produce to feed their families and help them thrive. In addition to distributing food, we were able to connect families to human services resources to help provide some support and relief during these trying times.”
The Block Party also featured local organizations with resource information. Groups in attendance included Cambria County Library, PA Link, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, Pennsylvania Department of Health Office of Health Equity, Cambria County Child Development Corporation, Goodwill of the Southern Alleghenies, Circle of Support Child Advocacy Center, On the Rise, Johnstown Housing Authority, Nutrition Group, and JARI.
“What a wonderful day!” said Carol Hickman, Grove Avenue United Methodist Church Pastor. “The community came together and worked together to benefit others. Grove Avenue United Methodist Church is blessed to be part of this event. We are looking forward to the next one on August 22. Thanks to everyone who made this possible.”