Deluzio Celebrates Western PA Summer Meal Providers’ National Recognition

CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) celebrated that three Western Pennsylvania organizations were among the 199 recognized nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Turnip the Beet! Award, which highlights summer meal programs that go above and beyond in fighting food insecurity during the summer months, when many students can’t use school meal programs. 2024 Award winners in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District include: the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (Gold), North Hills Cares, Inc. (Gold), and Ambridge Area School District (Silver).

“Our kids need fresh, healthy food to learn and grow—and that doesn’t stop in the summertime,” said Congressman Deluzio. “It’s a big problem and I’m proud that the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, North Hills Cares, Inc., and Ambridge Area School District are getting national recognition for their work to keep our kids fed while supporting local farmers. I’ll keep doing everything I can to fight hunger and help the kids and farmers of Western PA.”

The “Turnip the Beet!” Awards showcase outstanding summer meal programs that ensure children in their care are getting healthy and appetizing meals no matter the season. The full list of 2024 Turnip the Beet! Award winners can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website. 

Congressman Deluzio supports healthy school meals for every kid that needs it. He visited Quaker Valley Middle School earlier this year to highlight the Trump Administration’s concerning move to cut federal food programs that stripped $36 million in funding from Pennsylvania alone. The funding remains stalled while states—including Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro—are taking the administration to court to release the funds.

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