SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — The Wright Center for Community Health hosted its third annual Day of Giving Pop-Up Food Pantry on Friday at Weston Field in Scranton.
Alongside the Center for Community Health, the event was co-hosted by the Wright Center’s Graduate Medical Education program and the American College of Physicians’ Pennsylvania (PA-ACP) Eastern Chapter.
The pantry offered free prepackaged bags of nonperishable food on a first-come, first-served basis and was open to the public.
Geraldine McAndrew, director of development and relations for community outreach at The Wright Center for Community Health, said organizers wanted people to feel comfortable seeking help, and that the pantry was intended to make it easier for anyone who needed a little extra support to pick up food without stigma.
“Food insecurity is one of our biggest issues lately. With a lack of funding, we’re seeing more and more people show up at food pantries who are a little embarrassed, but we don’t want them to feel that way. We’d rather have them get nutritious meals. So just come out and see us at one of our food pantries,” said McAndrew.
Organizers said the bags included a variety of shelf-stable staples such as pasta, canned soup, vegetables, tuna and chicken, and that turkeys were also available. The food was provided by the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank.
McAndrew said the event also offered help beyond the food distribution, with community health workers available to connect people with other pantries, transportation options and insurance information. She said a Wright Center nutritionist was also on site to answer questions about dietary needs or restrictions, and that city officials were there to offer community resources.
For more information about upcoming community events hosted by The Wright Center, visit the organization’s website.