"FEEDING THE VILLAGE"

“FEEDING THE VILLAGE” Is a project that is fully inspired by Monica the granddaughter, of the late great Frances Catherine Harper. As a child growing up in the lower Hill District, she watched her grandmother serve the community through food. Rather it was catering for local churches and events or just someone walking down the street in need of a hot meal. This touched Monica's heart as a kid, it wasn't abnormal to see your fellow neighbor’s at the family dinner table. It allowed their family to create relationships and bond with people in the community, not even realizing that most of them would become family! 

 Monica is determined to make a difference in the lives of our community's most vulnerable population. Monica has a vision to feed individuals throughout Allegheny County who are experiencing food insecurities. Monica is persistent, and manages a successful food truck, and catering business. Allows her to secure some funding for this project, along with the help of other small businesses and organizations. Monica is particularly concerned with people in economic distress - families who may not have community support and who were often exploited.

 Word spread amongst the hungry about the food truck, giving away a free hot holiday meal. This past April 9,2023, Monica was able to feed 133 individuals in the lower Hill District on Centre Avenue. Monica understands and recognizes the need to do more in order to serve the increased number of people in need. 

 November 18, 2023 at Ammons Recreation Center located at 2217 Bedford Avenue from 11-2p, 287 individuals were fed a free hot holiday meal. Monica partnered with other caterers, and local organizations, collected donations and it was a success. 

 The goal is to feed more of the hungry and provide them a free hot meal as well as a place to sit down and eat it. Monica will also partner with other businesses and organizations to provide them with the proper resources needed to help them become self-sufficient.