Efforts to combat hunger in Westmoreland County are getting a boost as three local nonprofits prepare to upgrade their infrastructure and expand their reach to families in need.

These regional upgrades are being supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Food Recovery Infrastructure program. The Westmoreland Food Bank, His Food Ministry and the Salvation Army in New Kensington were each awarded $50,000 through the initiative — the maximum amount available — to help cover the costs of equipment such as vehicles and refrigeration.

The state’s investment aims to reduce food waste by providing the “cold chain” and transportation necessary to move fresh, safe food from retailers to the dinner tables of local residents.

Westmoreland Food Bank

A major expansion project is underway at the Westmoreland Food Bank in Salem, where a new 5,000-square-foot addition to its 40,000 square-foot warehouse will house an on-site food pantry, a volunteer center and work space for the volunteers, said Lauren Hill, development director for the food bank.

Despite recent delays caused by winter snowstorms, the $3 million project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

To stock the new pantry, the organization is purchasing a four-door cooler and a freezer. These units, which carry a price tag of approximately $89,000, will allow the food bank to safely store fresh perishables recovered from local supermarkets and restaurants.

The new equipment for the on-site pantry will have glass doors, similar to those seen in grocery stores, Hill said. It will allow those being served to select the food they want, Hill said.

“We want it to feel more than just getting a box of food. It will make it a more personal experience,” Hill said.

According to Executive Director Jennifer Miller, the facility will serve as a hub for distributing fresh food directly to the community.

“The expansion is in its infancy stages,” Miller said.

“We’re really expanding the capacity to not only help people, but to expand the capacity for those who are helping people,” Hill said.

His Food Ministry

In Derry Township, His Food Ministry is focused on logistics and direct relief. The organization plans to acquire a new van to replace a high-mileage vehicle currently used for food recovery and distribution.

Ron Kosor, who has led the ministry for 26 years, noted that the organization serves between 50 and 150 people during its weekly distributions on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays.

“We’re a hand up, not a hand out,” Kosor said. “Those who use the food pantry can select the contents of their food boxes.”

The ministry serves a wide demographic, including many middle-class families, and operates regardless of household income.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army New Kensington Corps will uses its $50,000 grant for food storage purposes, said Nicole Harrell, a spokeswoman for the Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania.

Majors Kevin and Lori Schoch, leaders of the Salvation Army in New Kensington, could not be reached for comment.