The struggle the pandemic has brought not only to people having finances to purchase food, but getting people to participate in the drive. This has arisen a drastic issue for many, not collecting enough food for people results in those who relied on the organization weekly to have nowhere to resort to. The online source feedingamerica.org stated “Because of the pandemic, we’ve seen a tremendous increase in the amount of people visiting food banks. In fact, in the early days of the pandemic, 4 in 10 people visiting food banks were there for the first time.” The constant uncertainty of how much of the grocery list will be able to be brought home weekly, the status of their job, and the status of their healthcare is pushing people to reach out to food banks for aid. Any citizen could find themselves needing assistance at any time, so it is important to give back when times are so crucial. 

As a way to be involved in the impact of resolving the struggle, the Greater Latrobe School District is hosting a food drive for students to donate until April 26th. The list is endless, consisting of canned food like chicken, tuna, fruit, vegetables, cereal, peanut butter. The drive has some restrictions, including any donation in glass bottles or jars, which will not be accepted incase of breaking during the shipment process. Even if students can’t go to the grocery store to participate, the drive encourages them to bring in anything that they don’t use sitting in their cabinets. 

The food drive was organized by Reese Petrosky and Mu Alpha Theta. It is a student run organization that was brought back this year for students who excel in math class. They are dedicated to reaching out and making a difference in the world. The food drive donations will go directly to Westmoreland Community Food Bank, which serves the Latrobe community. The simple exchange of food can benefit people so close to you, being that this community is full of not only students of GLSD, but also neighbors, friends, doctors, and family. 

The mathletes were determined to have a successful outcome for their first food drive and it certainly won’t be their last. “We are so happy and grateful to see the turnout because we are able to help so many families in our community,” Reese said.

The mathletes have to set up the food drive in order to inform the community there are people willing to help, so student participation is highly encouraged.  “ The difference for this year is that we wanted to make it a competition to motivate people into donating food,” Reese exclaimed! 

Each set 2 class who donates the most food will be the winner of the event. Directly after donations have been counted, the class winner will get a breakfast from Dunkin Donuts as a thank you for donating and being dedicated to the community. “

Although everyone won’t receive a physical reward for fulfilling an act of kindness, the biggest reward is knowing you did something so simple yet so moving for families who really need the support.