Pizza City

Pizza City was recently recognized for working with other local small businesses and individual contributors to provide the children of Jefferson County, WV with a slice of pizza to combat hunger during these trying times. His efforts deserve recognition near and far.

Mike Anderson, the owner of Pizza City was confident in his community’s dedication to helping those in need. When the Covid-19 crisis began, he started taking donations from other small businesses locally. With the charitable offerings, he set to work making pizzas for local youth. He filled a need that many were surprised even existed.

The Jefferson County Board of Education was forced to shutter schools across the county, starting March 13. This area has many Title I schools that provide free breakfast and lunch to all children attending. There are other government programs for free and reduced lunches available at other schools. This meant that many children wouldn’t have access to their normal food sources.

Volunteers with the transportation department worked hard to begin prepping food packages for students to pick up. Students lined up in droves to receive the assistance. The Child Nutrition Plan has continued to feed kids in need during the months since closing. Mike with Pizza City estimated that he had already handed out between 500 and 600 slices as of March 26, and it doesn’t look like he’s stopped since. Pizza City attempted to match every donation they received with their own profits to ensure kids got fed.

Most notably in Mike’s efforts, children in need were not limited to just one slice of pizza per visit. The aim in giving out free pizza was to give kids a chance to be well-fed. There have even been instances where he’s given a whole pie to a group of teenagers. Mike’s first donation came from his friend Charlie Lamp of R & L Landscaping. He purchased a few slices for Mike to distribute. Donations began pouring in after that. Other donors include Jefferson County Used Cars, Kidwell Plumbing, Dave’s Heating and Air, Creamer’s Auto Service, R & L Landscaping, Pivot Physical Therapy, ASK Heating and Air, and Fargo Insurance. Individuals from the area also stepped up to donate.

Serving up everything from soups to cannoli and everything in between, Pizza City has been a community staple for several decades. Most recently, the restaurant has been noticed for its support in the Keto diet by creating a cauliflower crust.

Mike Anderson with Pizza City has hosted student groups for almost 20 years. The program allows students to make their own pizza at the end of the school year. This has given Mike the opportunity to meet many of the local children that he might not have had any contact with otherwise. He happily meets new children through his slice donation initiative. Seeing their smiling faces has been thanks enough for him.

Donations haven’t slowed down, and Mike has continued his best to keep up with making sure no child in the area is hungry. They’ve had to adapt to curbside and deliveries only at this time, taking away from potential dine-in opportunities. Still, they are going strong to do their best in giving back.

Individuals can place orders for pickup or delivery, knowing that they are supporting a caring individual and a restaurant that isn’t looking only to make profit. Pizza City is trying to make the local community a better place. Small improvements, like feeding a hungry child or offering a job in these trying times are making all the difference. Small and large businesses alike should look to replicate what Mike Anderson has done.

Pizza City is continuing to take donations and can be reached at 304-724-1234.