ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Two local organizations are joining forces to help families in need in the Lehigh Valley.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation started the Critical Support Fund to address immediate needs in the community, beginning with emergency food access, according to a news release from the United Way.
The Critical Support Fund will provide rapid relief, so nonprofit food providers can keep shelves stocked and distribute food where it is needed most, according to the United Way.
United Way says it is joining together with additional donors and funders to raise $500,000 to support:
How to help
Donors may contribute online at www.unitedwayglv.org/donate (Select “Critical Support Fund”) and on Lehigh Valley Community Foundation’s website by clicking: Bridge Fund for Critical Support.
The Shapiro Administration released a fact sheet detailing how nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians will lose SNAP benefits starting Nov. 1 due to the ongoing government shutdown.
United Way says donations can also be made via mail with checks payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109 – attention “Critical Support Fund,” or to Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, 840 W. Hamilton Street, Suite 310, Allentown, PA 18101 – attention “Bridge Fund for Critical Support.”
Food and diaper donations can be directed to the following hubs:
Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley, Easton Area Neighborhood Center, and Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank. Priority food items include: canned proteins, cereals, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, pasta and peanut butter.
For more information, contact Erin Connelly at United Way at erinco@unitedwayglv.org or Erika Riddle Petrozelli at erika@lvcfoundation.org at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.
Finding help
To find food and other resources, dial 2-1-1 or 855-567-5341, visit www.pa211.org or text your ZIP code to 898-211, United Way said in its news release.
PA 211 is a free, confidential service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The organization says food insecurity is rising, as more than 40% of Greater Lehigh Valley residents live paycheck to paycheck and programs like SNAP see funding pauses.
Just over 106,000 people receive SNAP benefits in the region, according to the news release.
Many of the region’s social service providers are struggling to keep up with the need and have not been able to access funding that typically supports food access programs, the organization said.
Initial funding partners include the Dexter F. & Dorothy H. Baker Foundation, Capitol Blue Cross, Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management, LLC, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, the Garrigan Foundation, Just Born Quality Confections, LeCompte Realty, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, Stephen Link and Family Fund, the Marcon Family Fund, The Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation, Dan and Lucinda McCarthy, Olympus Corporation of the Americas, PPL Foundation, Teamsters Local 773, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Andrea and Angelo Valletta, and Valley National Financial Advisors.
The United Way said funds will be distributed for immediate relief, working in partnership with an action group of local food providers who are co-leading the response strategy.
“Too many of our neighbors are feeling the strain when vital support systems are stretched,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way.
“When need rises and resources tighten, our community shows up. We’re grateful for the extraordinary collaboration across nonprofits, funders and volunteers who are stepping up together to meet this moment.”
“This is what community looks like in action. This effort is also a powerful example of what can happen when funders, nonprofit leaders, and donors come together with urgency and purpose. United Way and the Community Foundation are standing shoulder to shoulder to ensure food remains accessible to every family during this critical moment,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, President and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.
“The Bridge Fund for Critical Support at the Community Foundation allows us to act now — to make sure food pantries are stocked and our neighbors have access to the nourishment they need.”