I recently took photos at Parkland School District's annual food drive.

Students collected 19,346 pounds of food and $306.

These elementary, middle and high school students showed great determination to help the less fortunate in their community.

Hunger exists in every community in America, according to FeedingAmerica.org, and one in six people struggle to get enough to eat.

In 2013, some 49.1 million Americans lived in food-insecure households, including 33.3 million adults and 15.8 million children.

Second Harvest Food Bank Director Ann McManus told The Press the food bank last year distributed nearly 7 million pounds of food to more than 200 member agencies (food pantries) in Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties.

Last March, 75,000 individuals were served through those agencies, with Lehigh and Northampton counties serving the most individuals.

Every year around Thanksgiving and Christmas, Boy Scouts have their Scouting for Food drive.

Other agencies also have campaigns during the holiday season to help those in need.

In May, the National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive takes place on the second Saturday of the month.

Second Harvest always needs foods that are good sources of protein, such as canned meats and stews, peanut butter and beans, McManus said. But, food is not the only item needed by food pantries.

Diapers, laundry soap and personal care items, such as toothpaste, bath soap and shampoo, are also needed.

Lehigh Valley food pantries or food banks include Bethel Bible Fellowship, Emmaus; Catasauqua Food Bank; Christ's Church at Lowhill Food Pantry, New Tripoli; Jordan Lutheran Church, Orefield; Northampton Area Food Bank and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Whitehall.

The Animal Food Bank of Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem, needs donations for cats and dogs.

If you can't donate food or clothing, then give some of your time volunteering at a local pantry or soup kitchen.

For a complete list of food pantries, food banks and soup kitchens, visit lehighcounty.org.

Generously giving of your time and energy to a local food pantry year-round is a great way to help others who are less fortunate.

Susan Bryant

editorial assistant

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press