Salisbury, Frankel join forces with community leaders to fight hunger
Discuss strategies, prepare meals for local food pantry
Rep. Abigail Salisbury November 7, 2025 | 2:09 PM
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 7 – State Reps. Abigail Salisbury and Dan Frankel on Thursday brought together approximately 40 community leaders working on food insecurity issues for a panel discussion at Our Giving Kitchen, followed by meal preparation to address the needs of residents impacted by the federal government shutdown.
Salisbury said working with local leaders is essential when resources are threatened.
“Between the federal shutdown that has interrupted SNAP benefits and the impact of federal policies that prioritize billionaires over basic human needs, residents are hurting,” Salisbury said. “While we don’t know when the shutdown will end, it’s clear that we can’t rely on lawmakers in Washington, D.C. for the solution. Fortunately, we can join forces with the compassionate, committed partners here at home who make it their life’s work to help residents in need stay warm, safe and fed.”
Frankel said, "Across Pennsylvania and the nation, families are struggling with food insecurity. The Trump administration’s cuts to social safety net programs and threats to SNAP benefits make an already dire situation worse. Thankfully, we have long-established local organizations leading efforts to help, along with many, many community members and public officials who are committed to protecting our neighbors from going hungry.”
The panel featured the following community leaders:
- Rabbi Moishe Mayir Vogel – executive director, Aleph Institute
- Denele Hughson – executive director, Grow Pittsburgh
- Ruth Kittner – executive director, Wilkinsburg Community Ministry
- Jesse Sharrard – director, JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry
After the panel, attendees prepared more than 100 meals to be donated to a local food pantry.