Let's raise $1,390 for the Food Bank

UPDATE: NOPE! LET’S RAISE $4,239 FOR THE FOOD BANK INSTEAD because you people cleared the mark in under two hours. Amazing. Thank you all so much!!

If you're already in and don't need a long explanation (below) feel free to click this link and donate today. Thank you!

Well folks, it's time to band together as Pitt Volleyball fans and make a difference.

In one week, it'll be November (wild, right?) and our friends and neighbors who rely on SNAP for groceries will not be getting their usual benefits. With the federal government shut down and no deal on the horizon to re-open it, families need our help – fast.

So I'm looking to raise $1,390 this weekend for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. That kind of money could provide more than 4,000 meals for our community.

Earlier this year, the federal government made cuts to USDA funding for food banks, with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank losing out on about $5 million in direct funding and food that would have been purchased from Pennsylvania farmers and manufacturers.

Now more than two million Pennsylvanians who rely on SNAP benefits won't be receiving a payment in November unless the federal government is re-opened and funds are released to Pennsylvania.

It's the kind of double-whammy that necessitates direct support from us – current Pittsburghers and those who love Pittsburgh – to ensure that people can stay fed.

(BTW that's as political as I ever intend to get in this here volleyball newsletter.)

So please, find your spirit of Fred Rogers, be neighborly and let's show that Pitt Volleyball fans can make an impact.

I don't plan to ever charge for this newsletter, so if you've enjoyed reading the Bandwagoner's Guide to Pitt Volleyball, consider paying it forward to the Food Bank.

The Food Bank has its own donation suggestions, but I'll add my own here:

• $10 for the #10 that Pitt should've retired as soon as Rachel Fairbanks stepped off the court
• $13.90 for obvious reasons
• $23.19 for a Monsters Inc. inspired volleyball score
• $41 for Olivia Babcock's 41 kills last Sunday
• $102 one for each ace that Pitt Volleyball has collected so far this season
• $410 one for each of coach Dan Fisher's victories at Pitt
• $11,800 for the Pitt Volleyball home attendance record (I will write you a personal love letter if you actually do this)

And if you'd like to make it a monthly donation, those are all the better to provide the Food Bank with some predictable and steady funding for the months to come.

Thanks to all of you who are willing to lend a hand and honor The Good Score in the process.