In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, people are being told to stay home and isolate from those around them to avoid potential exposure. This is not easy for some who live week to week on their paychecks and cannot afford to be missing work.

Many of these people also rely on local food banks for their meals. According to Shari Noctor, chair of Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative, numerous agencies in the Lehigh Valley are coming together to create a plan to distribute meals to those who need them most in the region.

“This is new to all of us, and everyone is working together to have streamlined information and sites up and available by next week,” Noctor said. “Please be patient since many of these groups are being inundated by phone calls.”

Dr. Lorie Hackett, Whitehall-Coplay School District superintendent, and Wayne Walp, district food services director, worked to make sure children in the district were fed last weekend.

According to a release posted on the school district website, breakfast and lunch will be made available for all students in the district, regardless of whether the family qualifies for free or reduced lunches. Students who are home-schooled, cyber schooled or attend charter schools can also partake in the meal distribution.

However, according to Walp, students in private or parochial schools are not eligible for meals through the district but should check in with their schools.

Meal pickups are available 10 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday in front of Whitehall High School. The students must accompany parents and be in the car. The food will be delivered to the car, so drivers never need to exit the vehicle.

Any questions regarding the school meals should be directed to Walp at 610-782-0961 or walpw@whitehallcoplay.org.

Noctor reported kitchen staff is permitted to be in the WCSD building and private or parochial schools should check to see if essential personnel can prepare their own packs for a similar distribution.

According to Noctor, Whitehall Food Pantry, located at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 3800 Mechanicsville Road, is still doing food distributions 6-8 p.m. Mondays. Call Whitehall Food Pantry at 484-246-5715 with any questions.

Coplay Food Bank, located in borough hall at 98 S. Fourth St., is continuing its monthly distributions.

The March distribution was completed, and preparations are being made for April. If you have any questions, call 610-262-0928.

She also noted Second Harvest Food Bank is fully stocked.

In the case of senior citizens, Noctor recommends calling Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley at 610-691-1030 and leaving a message.

“They are inundated with calls at this time,” she said.

When it comes to volunteering, Noctor noted many agencies are in need of people. However, there are new rules and additional questions at this time to ensure the safety of everyone involved. She said there may be more information regarding volunteering in the near future.

“We have not had this type of virus situation before. Your patience is greatly appreciated,” Noctor said.

Mostly, Noctor wanted to stress how important it is to reach out and help your neighbors at a time like this and to keep those less fortunate in your thoughts.

“Thank you all for helping our food-insecure residents of Whitehall and Coplay,” she said.