University Times

One in four children in the City of Pittsburgh and one in seven children in Allegheny County are hungry or in serious danger of being hungry.

To counter those dismal statistics, more than 400 businesses, institutions, unions and government agencies have joined with United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania to collect canned goods and other non-perishable food items for the hungry.

Pitt Scouts for Food '96, which continues through April 22, is the University's contribution to that community effort.

Last year, Pitt Scouts for Food collected an all-time high of more than 50,000 units of canned goods, according to Steve Zupcic of the Center for Public and Community Service.

The goal this year is to increase 1995's total by 50 percent and collect 75,000 non-perishable food items.

"Bag and bring to work as many cans of food and non-perishable household items as you can afford," Zupcic said. "Encourage your colleagues and co-workers to do the same." Canned goods collected during the drive will be taken to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in McKeesport, where they will be separated and distributed to the needy through a network of local food pantries.

According to Zupcic, the entire project has a "zero percent overhead." All publicity, printing, packing boxes and bags have been donated, and all personnel are volunteers. Every can of food goes to the hungry.

Pitt Scouts for Food '96 collection sites are scattered around campus. Major collection sites are: William Pitt Union lobby, Hillman Library circulation desk, the parking office, law school lobby, Cathedral of Learning ground floor, Craig Hall lobby, Graduate School of Public Health first floor lobby, Biotech Center lobby, and SLIS fifth floor lobby. Pick up of food also can be arranged by calling the Center for Public and Community Service at 648-1489.