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Proclamation recognizing Lisa Scales for being named Pittsburgher of the Year by Pittsburgh Magazine.
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WHEREAS, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” This quote once said by Dr. Seuss fully embodies the thoughtful nature of Lisa Scales, CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank; and
WHEREAS, Lisa was named Pittsburgher of the Year by Pittsburgh Magazine for her ability to mobilize the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to feed the most vulnerable members of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, as CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Lisa presides over a 96,000-square-foot warehouse that is filled with 5.6 million pounds of food, or a month’s supply. Much of the food ends up in nearly 600 food pantries, soup kitchens and other partners throughout 11 counties.; and
WHEREAS, in the early months of the pandemic, Lisa and her 130-person staff underestimated the surge in demand for food. After passing out boxes to more than 800 cars, the food bank had to turn away another 200 who had waited in miles of traffic; and
WHEREAS, as time went on, Lisa and her staff put in endless hours in order to find ways to meet the needs of individuals during the pandemic; and
WHEREAS, the food crisis around the pandemic has forced Lisa and her staff to think of innovative ways to meet the communities’ needs. Instead of the Produce to the People walk-up distributions, the food bank has moved to a drive-through model with items already boxed. To better gauge the number of food boxes needed, people are asked to sign up ahead of time, although nobody is turned away if they don’t. The food bank has also started home delivery for people 60 and older, a service they will continue post-pandemic; and
WHEREAS, it is important to recognize one of Lisa’s major accomplishments as CEO; increasing the amount of fresh produce distributed, which totals about one-third of the total amount of food the bank currently distributes. By 2025, Lisa hopes that fresh produce is half of all its distribution, equal to 20 million pounds annually; and
WHEREAS, additionally, Lisa started the Backpack Program which aims at alleviating weekend hunger among students. The food bank also has pantries opened in secondary schools and colleges; and
WHEREAS, under Lisa’s leadership, the food bank is in the midst of a capital campaign called Grow Share Thrive. During this campaign, the food bank has undergone major renovations and expansions of its warehouse; adding refrigerated storage and packing spaces, refrigerated loading docks, an on-site food pantry, expanded offices and more space for its volunteers; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, Allegheny County Council Members Bob Macey, Tom Baker, Liv Bennett, Sam DeMarco, Tom Duerr, Bethany Hallam, Cindy Kirk, Paul Klein, Paul Zavarella (…), do hereby recognize and honor Lisa Scales for being named Pittsburgher of the Year by Pittsburgh Magazine, and we thank her for her unwavering dedication to solving food insecurity throughout the region.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 9th day of February 2021.