#GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. PULSE will be participating and we are looking forward to your support! Throughout the days leading up to #GivingTuesdayNow, we’ll be sharing out about some of our fellows and Nonprofit Partners helping during this challenging time and how you can continue to support our mission. Learn more about PULSE Fellow Seppi Grugan and the work he’s doing with Nonprofit Partner Farm to Table Western PA during this challenging time.
PULSE: What role are you/your nonprofit playing in supporting community members during the pandemic?
Seppi: Since Pennsylvania started self-quarantining, Farm to Table has shifted almost all of its resources into delivering food to vulnerable populations. By delivering groceries and meals door to door in senior and family housing units, Farm to Table is reducing the frequency that the residents of those units will have to leave their homes to go food shopping, thereby helping those residents reduce their risk of exposure to Covid-19. Farm to Table is also doing door-to-door deliveries of food from organizations like the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank and 412 Food Rescue that residents normally pick up from a central location. This prevents residents from having to gather in communal spaces where they would be at greater risk of spreading the virus.
PULSE: How would you say you/your role is helping the organization respond to these pandemic challenges?
Seppi: When the quarantine first went into effect in Pennsylvania and Farm to Table began its transition to food delivery, I wrote our Covid-19 food distribution policy. Since then, I have helped with distributions at multiple housing sites in Allegheny and Washington counties and provided feedback from being on-site to improve the safety and efficiency of our deliveries. I have also worked with the Food Bank and 412 Food Rescue on some of their food distribution efforts.
PULSE: What are you learning/have you learned in this role?
Seppi: Since Farm to Table transitioned to food delivery and distribution, I have learned to problem-solve and share ideas and solutions with my coworkers much faster than I did before, as improving the safety and efficiency of our operations is now of such great importance.
Help us continue to “cultivate a community of young servant leaders to transform Pittsburgh” by contributing to our Give Big Pittsburgh COVID-19 Response fundraiser! Every little bit helps us reach our $5,000 goal!