Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank asking for help during volunteer shortage

DUQUESNE, Pa. — The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank says it is in critical need of help.

The organization said it is experiencing a shortage of volunteers at its warehouse, the Market, in Duquesne.

They typically experience a shortage in January after the holidays but say cold temperatures have made the situation even harder.

As families struggle with higher heating bills, more people are coming to the food bank for help.

“We normally see a dip in the number of volunteers after the holidays, but this year we’re seeing more people come through our doors for food. We’re hopeful the community will step up to make sure we have the manpower to feed our neighbors,” said Manager of Corporate and Community Giving, Maria Montaro.

There are three-and-a-half to four-hour shifts that need to be filled. Those shifts include:

• Preparing food for distribution

• Stocking shelves in The Market

• Bagging items or weighing food at The Market

• Assisting families as a shopping buddy in The Market

• Helping families register/get food at distributions

The group is short about 75 people it needs per week.

Anyone older than 18 can help out.

Click here to sign up to volunteer at the Great Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW