Greene commissioners approve $10k contribution to food bank
Greene County commissioners Thursday approved a $10,000 contribution to the Waynesburg Corner Cupboard Food Bank that will go toward purchasing a new refrigerated lift food truck.
Commissioner Mike Belding said food bank Executive Director Candace Webster asked for help with the purchase in February. Her request letter indicated the truck would make it possible for the agency to continue to accept and distribute the 鈥渕assive donations鈥� of approximately 48,000 pounds of food to the food bank every week from an out-of-county donor.
These donations, she explained, include large pallets full of fresh produce which helps the food bank 鈥渂etter meet the nutritional needs of our Greene County neighbors.鈥�
In her request letter, Webster said that although the food bank is 鈥渨ell on its way鈥� to raising the $180,000 needed to purchase the truck 鈥� with a little more than $100,000 already raised through a combination of grants, sponsorships and donations 鈥� the agency is asking for the county to help.
Webster thanked the commissioners for being 鈥渋ncredibly generous and unfailingly helpful鈥� in supporting the food bank over the years and explained that the food bank has had to rent a refrigerated truck to accommodate the large weekly donation to help area residents. But, she said, the rental cost is not sustainable for the agency.
鈥淲e don鈥檛 want to walk away from such a large donation that could benefit so many,鈥� she explained in the letter, adding that the food bank and its pantry sites feed between 2,000 and 2,500 area residents.
The commissioners鈥� contribution to the truck will come from the county鈥檚 American Rescue Fund (ARF).
鈥淐ontinued funding to our community support organizations, such as the Corner Cupboard Food Bank, is imperative,鈥� Belding said. 鈥淧ost COVID, recovery of family and businesses finances is now complicated by exorbitant increased prices on everything from fuel to food and baby supplies. Sustained support is important to maintain the health and welfare of our most vulnerable populations.
鈥淭he Corner Cupboard Food Bank is a lifeline to those in need and an investment in the future of our communities,鈥� he continued.
In other news, commissioners approved a quote between Exucom Systems and the county for the purchase of a new fax server to replace the out-of-date server. The cost of $7,195.50 is to be paid for by ARF, Belding said.
In another matter, commissioners approved the cost of $5,500 for the appraisal and cost associated with the Gateway Senior Housing facility, which Belding said will be equally divided between Central Greene School District, Waynesburg Borough and the county subject to solicitor approval.
Belding explained that current appraisals are required in certain proceedings with tax appeals.
鈥淭he three taxing bodies 鈥� school district, borough and county 鈥� have entered into an agreement to split the professional costs of obtaining this specific appraisal and other associated costs,鈥� he said.