Pittsburgh's three major sports teams are joining forces to tackle food insecurity in southwestern Pennsylvania, launching the inaugural "#BurghProud Challenge" to rally the community around a common cause. Leaders from the Pittsburgh Pirates, Penguins, and Steelers gathered Monday to unveil this new initiative, which encourages participants to walk or run 30 miles over the 30 days of June while raising funds for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank through GoFundMe.
The campaign comes at a critical time, as food insecurity affects 1 in 5 children and 1 in 8 people in the region. Lisa Scales, president and CEO of the food bank, noted that summer months are especially challenging when children lose access to school-provided meals. "About half of those we serve are seniors and children—our most vulnerable neighbors," Scales said, emphasizing the urgent need for support.
Pittsburgh Pirates President Travis Williams highlighted the unifying power of sports in this effort. "The teams in Pittsburgh share more than just colors," Williams said. "Now is an opportunity to use the power of sports for something much bigger than just what happens on the field."
Participants who raise $25 will receive an official campaign T-shirt, while those who hit $2,500 can earn unique experiences like Pirates tickets with batting practice access, a behind-the-scenes tour of Acrisure Stadium, or a VIP practice experience with the Penguins. Raise $5,000, and you'll earn all three experiences—a true hat trick of Pittsburgh sports fandom.
The initiative is backed by the Richard King Mellon Foundation, which announced a $1 million matching grant to amplify donations. "When we started talking about this idea, we thought, let's do something big that the city hasn't seen before," said Sam Reiman, director and trustee of the foundation.
The #BurghProud Challenge runs from June 1 to June 30, inviting everyone to lace up their sneakers and support their neighbors in need. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, every mile counts toward making a difference in the Pittsburgh community.