Washington County Food Bank expands programs
Frank Santilli, executive chef at Bistecca Steakhouse & Wine Bar, leads a cooking class at the Greater Washington County Food Bank.
Frank Santilli, executive chef at Bistecca Steakhouse & Wine Bar, has reviewed culinary terms and provided basic cooking instruction at the Greater Washington County Food Bank.
Frank Santilli, executive chef at Bistecca Steakhouse & Wine Bar, has provided recipes with items that are provided by the Greater Washington County Food Bank.
With more than 24,000 square feet at its disposal, Greater Washington County Food Bank has expanded services beyond food distribution to include community events.
“We have many things going on right now,” said Peg Wilson, president of the board of directors. “We’re not just giving out food.”
At the headquarters, at 909 National Pike West (Route 40), Centerville Borough, classes are held in the Healthy Habits Training Center, which includes two kitchens, a classroom and computer area.
Outside, a portion of the organization’s 22 acres is being developed as gardens and orchards, where fruit and vegetables will be planted and later distributed to pantry clients. A retail thrift shop that helps fund the food bank is up and running.
Jodi Gatts, training center director, said computer, cooking, health and gardening classes have been held. The cooking classes – led by Executive Chef Frank Santilli of Bistecca Steakhouse & Wine Bar at The Meadows Casino – have been so popular, she has plans to add more.
“We actually had to turn people away,” said Gatts. “We are looking into adding another class that specializes in Italian cooking.”
During the first class in January, Santilli reviewed culinary terms and provided basic cooking instruction. Students in the class now create dishes from Santilli’s recipes, all of which can be made from items provided by the food bank.
Classes are available to all residents.
A garden planting class will be held Monday. Sarah Meiss, a California University of Pennsylvania professor, will discuss planting potatoes, spinach, onions, kale and other crops. The class will be taught outside, if weather permits, utilizing some of the 32 raised planting beds planned.
Fifty fruit trees, donated by the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation, will be planted May 25.
The food bank also is working on a collaboration with Trinity Area School District in which students use hydroponic technology to grow produce.
The expansion helps the food bank continue its main objective of providing nutrition to those in need, said Wilson. The Produce to People program alone provides fresh fruit and vegetables to more than 600 families every month.
“There’s such a need in Washington County,” said Wilson. “We have a good crew of volunteers who all work together. It’s nice to be working with people who really believe in what they’re doing.”
For information about the Greater Washington County Food Bank, visit www.gwcfb.org or call 724-632-2190.