Joe Utterback

Each of us work hard planning and preparing for that one day when we attain the promised land called retirement. Upon reaching that place, there are those who find that it isn't as fulfilling as they thought. Many decide to take on part-time jobs or fill their time with volunteer work. Joe Utterback, Chairman for the Plum Food Bank, is one that has filled his post retirement years in the service of others.

After retiring from his position as foreman at US Steel in Homestead, he picked up part-time jobs until finally settling into a volunteer position at the food bank. Volunteer work is no stranger to Joe, he has participated in various things his entire adult life. He was a Scoutmaster for 13 years and in the scouting organization a total of 20 years.

The food bank was started in 1982 by several community women, one being Joe's neighbor. Several months after its inception Joe and his wife, Flo, were recruited as volunteers. The food bank has its home in the basement of the Holiday Park United Methodist Church in Plum and serves roughly 125-130 families a month. They currently have thirty volunteers at the food bank. To qualify, you have to live in Plum or belong to a church in Plum. In emergency cases, however, where you live is not an issue. For information on the program you can leave a message on the answering machine for the pantry at 724-327-0367

The food bank is open every fourth Tuesday. The only time that they deviate from this schedule is during election time; they come in on a Wednesday. The volunteers either live in Holiday Park or they belong to area churches. Besides collecting and dispersing food to needy families, the group is also working on a video documentary project. The video will show everyone how the food bank operates from the source to their clients.

Although his position takes up a lot of his time, Joe hasn't regretted his decision to volunteer there for a single moment. "If it wasn't enjoyable and satisfying, I wouldn't be doing it…You wouldn't expect to have so many in Plum in need, but because of the economy the number is growing. Our original client list was widows, single moms, or men on Social Security. Now we are getting families where both parents have lost their jobs or have minimum wage jobs."

To see Joe in action you would clearly see his dedication to the program and the families of the community of Plum. He is sure to be serving there for many more years. As Joe said, "As long as can keep feeding the kids I'll be happy!"