Food banks in areas served by UPMC are receiving money to help feed the hungry, and the hospital is also awarding grants to innovative staff.

Community Food Warehouse in Mercer County along with 14 other charitable organizations will receive money to help feed the hungry and help the most vulnerable people in areas of three states served by UPMC.

The Beckwith Institute is giving $400,000 in grants. It's a big boost to help food banks and more than a dozen charities in areas of three states served by UPMC. Those states include Pennsylvania, western Maryland, and western New York.

The Institute will also award grants of up to $10,000 to staff with projects aimed at uplifting staff and providing emotional and physical comfort to patients and communities. UPMC staff members have until May 11th to apply for the Frontline Innovation grants by May 11th.

G. Nicholas Beckwith III, chairman of UPMC's board of directors and his wife Dorothy initially created the Institute. It became an endowment fund at UPMC with matching support from the health system. Its Frontline Innovation Program was founded on the belief that the best ideas to improve health care come from those who directly care for patients.

Organizations receiving grants include:

  • United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania 211 Fund
  • Armstrong County Food Bank
  • Bedford County Food Bank
  • Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County
  • Society of St. Vincent De Paul Altoona-Johnstown
  • Greater Washington County Food Bank
  • Westmoreland County Food Bank
  • York County Food Bank
  • Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
  • Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
  • Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwestern Pennsylvania
  • Western Maryland Food Bank
  • Food Bank of Western New York