Leechburg restaurants step up by offering free meals to students

Some Leechburg area restaurants are getting creative during the coronavirus crisis.

Three restaurants—CoCo Coffeehouse, Fox’s Pizza Den and Cicero’s Bar and Grill—are offering free takeout meals beginning Monday and Barefoot Bar and Grill in Gilpin Tuesday for Leechburg area students during the state mandated school closures ordered by Gov. Wolf.

“Every little bit helps and no questions are asked,” said CoCo Coffeehouse owner Nikki Saxion, who is offering bagged peanut butter and jelly lunches, stocked daily at both of her coffee locations. “Just grab them and go.”

Saxion referenced a social media post she saw as inspiration for offering free lunches during this unprecedented time.

“I’ve had community members donate money and food and I have enough at this time. I’d like to thank everyone for their generosity,” Saxion said.

Cicero’s co-owner Melinda Albert said with numerous eateries in Leechburg offering free meals, students will have variety with their dining options.

“This takes the burden off just one restaurant providing free meals to students too,” Albert said.

The free meals are available Monday through Friday, with Fox’s offering free six-inch pizzas to both Kiski and Leechburg students on weekends.

“We’re in it for the long haul,” said Fox’s owner Keith Fetterman. “I’ve received donations and calls from people wanting to help.”

Fetterman traveled to Fox’s distribution center in Murrysville Monday, purchasing 300 Bambino pizza shells and extra sauce and cheese.

“I want to have enough but we’ll have to assess this and see how it goes,” Fetterman said. “This means assurance of kids getting food since a lot of parents may be working.”

Other area businesses stepping up with donations to Fox’s are Century 21 American Heritage Realty, Patty Kiebler’s Cakes and Cookies and Steve Banco State Farm Insurance.

Leechburg Superintendent Tiffany Nix said she is grateful for the community support during what she described as a rare and unusual situation.

“I’m touched by the outpouring of emotion,” Nix said.

Nix said 100 percent of elementary students at David Leech Elementary receives free breakfast and lunch and 46 percent of middle and high school students qualify for free or reduced meals.

Parent Joy Spagnola of West Leechburg said the free meals are something positive for families that rely on school meals for their children.

“With schools closed it can be a financial burden on parents, especially if their income is being affected by social distancing,” Spagnola said. “Every gesture of kindness from a stranger gives hope to everyone during this pandemic.”

Crossroads Community Presbyterian Church in Leechburg has agreed to keep the district’s food at their church.

Co-pastor Gary Lyon said plans are in the works for the weekend distribution of PATH (Providing Alternatives To Hunger) food bags, so the free meals offered are welcomed.

“This epitomizes how our community has thrown their arms around the kids and each other,” Lyon said.

The restaurants request that children be accompanied by an adult. Gilpin students in need of transportation to Barefoot Bar and Grill in Gilpin are asked to call or email Gilpin Township to request a complimentary ride.

“We’re doing this because we believe during this time with schools shut down all kids deserve a warm lunch. Our township is more rural than Leechburg and students can’t necessarily have the opportunity to walk to these places to get lunch,” said Gilpin Township supervisor Charlie Stull.

“Barefoot is the only Gilpin business so far and we’re trying to keep it as local as possible,” Stull said.

“A simple thank you is not even close to being enough. We appreciate every effort, donation and every kind word that is spread. What a great lesson for us all,” Nix said.

Kiski Area High School senior Nevaeh Bernat stopped at CoCo Monday morning.

“This isn’t a vacation for kids. For many students school is a safe haven for them and a place where they get their meals, so this is a good thing,” Bernat said.