East End Cooperative Ministry

The East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) is dedicated to helping vulnerable adults and at-risk children and youth throughout our Pittsburgh Neighborhood. As an interfaith ministry, EECM seeks to make a different in the lives of the individuals and families it serves by tending to their needs for today as well as their hops for tomorrow.

EECM Food Pantry Collection

The food pantry is an assistance program for those in immediate need of food. In addition to providing emergency groceries and supplies, we also offer information on assistance programs, and access to social service agencies and other appropriate programs. EECM operates the second largest food pantry in Pittsburgh.
At First Unitarian Church, the collection for the East End Cooperative Ministry Food Pantry takes place on the first Sunday of each month, but non-perishable food items are welcome on any Sunday. Following is a suggested schedule of items:
  1. January: peanut butter
  2. February: tuna or vegetarian alternative
  3. March: canned soup
  4. April: canned meat or vegetarian alternative
  5. May: jelly, jam, or preserves
  6. June: boxed meals
  7. July: pancake mix
  8. August: chili
  9. September: pasta
  10. October: spaghetti sauce
  11. November: canned fruit
  12. December: beef stew or vegetarian alternative

Food Pantry Giving Guidelines

  • Even though home canned goods are tastier, we have no way of knowing how and when they were processed. Therefore, they are discarded.
  • All donated items that are past the expiration date cannot be distributed and must be discarded.
  • Sometimes we receive items that have been opened and partially used. We are unable to distribute these items so they are discarded. Most often this occurs with spices, condiments, cereal, rice, pasta, tea, etc.
  • Don't give what you ought to toss out. Sometimes we need to ask ourselves, "Would I want to receive this for my family?" If not, toss it.
  • All donated items that are severely dented or damaged cannot be distributed and must be discarded.
The Food Pantry is located at Community House and clients can enter through the single-door marked Food Pantry, Entrance C on Harvard Street. It is open from 10:00 to 11:15 am and 1:00 to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The Pantry serves residents in zip codes 15201, 15206, 15217, 15224 and 15232.

EECM Shelter Meal

First Unitarian Church has a regular commitment to cook and serve a meal for the men at the shelter on the first Sunday of the month. To volunteer your group (4-6 people) or yourself to prepare and serve a meal, please contact Mary Denison at marydenison@gmail.com