Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang and his wife Catherine have made monetary donations to provide meals to the Students & Families Food Relief Fund and the Knead Community Café, enabling both organizations to feed those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“As parents, my wife Catherine and I can’t imagine the hardship of children going hungry,” stated Letang.  “We knew that we wanted to give back to the Pittsburgh community during this difficult time and helping children secure a healthy meal and avoid hunger was the perfect fit for us.”

 

The pandemic has disrupted school programs that help children and families who face food insecurity on a daily basis. Over half of students in Allegheny, Butler, Westmoreland and Fayette counties are eligible for free or reduced lunch.

 

“The Students & Families Food Relief Fund provides meals for those with the greatest need,” said Patrick Dowd, Allies for Children Executive Director.  “As the need grows, the fund will be depleted.  Support from Kris and Catherine Letang will ensure this work can continue into the summer.  We sincerely thank the Letangs for their commitment to our region at this critical time.”

 

In addition, the Letangs’ donation will provide meals to the Knead Community Café that serves Grab & Go meals for residents of New Kensington on a daily basis.  The Café is a charitable 501(c)(3) community run and supported restaurant where everyone is welcome to a nourishing meal.

 

“We are deeply touched by the Letang family for their support and generosity to the cafe and the New Kensington community,” stated Mary Bode, Knead Community Café Co-Founder.  “This gift enables us to continue the cafe’s mission to feed all regardless of means and will tremendously help support our community outreach programs in this challenging time.”