Our Lady’s Pantry is OLSH’s in-house emergency food pantry that has been helping to serve the hungry of the community for over 40 years. The pantry was established around 1980 after OLSH students were inspired to give back after seeing an assembly about hunger and homelessness in the community. OLSH principal at the time, Sr. Christopher, established the emergency food pantry through the Greater Community Food Bank of Pittsburgh.
The pantry is sustained by the generosity of the OLSH community through food drives at OLSH and other local schools and parishes, as well as Christian Mothers and Knights of Columbus groups. The pantry is also supported annually by the Felician Sisters as one of their outreach ministries. Donations may include non-perishable items, gift cards, or money.
After successful food drives, OLSH donates some of the food to local shelters as well. In addition to serving local shelters, individual families can utilize the pantry on an as-needed or monthly basis. We continue to monitor the clients so as to help as many people as possible. OLSH students are often encouraged to bring in donations for the pantry in cooperation with Mission and Heritage Week, Jean Dress Down Days, Christmas Giving Trees, and Penny Wars.