St. Luke’s University Health Network resumed its “Summer Meals Program” for a second year in Allentown and Quakertown to make sure no child goes without a nutritious lunch.

The program was piloted in response to the Network’s 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA).

CHNA revealed that the locations are in the catchment area of school districts where more than 50 percent of students are eligible for free and reduced meals during the academic year.

Prior to COVID-19, one in three children were hungry. The pandemic has only made matters worse. At St. Luke’s, the mission is to improve the overall health of the communities served. Thanks to the generosity of two organizations, more children have access to food and other vital resources during this unprecedented time.

West Side Hammer Electric again provided $10,000 to support program enhancements in the Allentown area.

Luke Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer of West Side Hammer Electric and Former St. Luke’s Allentown Campus Board Member, is no stranger to community service and social responsibility.

“During these uncertain times, we as a community need to stick together more than ever. We are here to help any way we can. The children of Allentown have always held a special place in our hearts and it’s an honor to be able to work side by side with St. Luke’s in providing a healthy lunch for the children,” said Cunningham.

Penn Community Bank contributed $10,000 to enrich the Summer Meals Program at St. Luke’s Quakertown. A prominent partner of the Network, Penn Community Bank remains invested in the success of local children, in school and in life. Children who came to campus for lunch had access to healthier meal options, financial literacy education and other activities.

“As a community-first financial services provider, Penn Community Bank is committed to serving as a catalyst for positive change. We live out our mission by serving as a trusted and essential partner that meets people where they are, including in partnering with St. Luke’s to provide summer meals for the Quakertown community,” said Jeane M. Vidoni, President and CEO or Penn Community Bank.

“We are proud to join with other community-focused organizations to ensure food insecure kids in our community have access to healthy meals this summer,” Vidoni said.

The collective efforts of West Side Hammer Electric and Penn Community Bank ensured fresh produce from St. Luke’s community-supported agriculture shares. Backpacks full of non-perishable food were available for children to take home each week.

Crayola provided items to inspire creativity among our children in the Allentown and Quakertown communities.

The Summer Meals Program at St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Campus was held noon - 2 pm, Tuesdays and Fridays, through Aug. 28. Lunches were served on-site in the courtyard between the 325 building and the main hospital campus, accessed off N. Penn Street, Allentown.

The Quakertown Summer Meals Program was held 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. through Aug. 28 at the bus drop-off location for Quakertown Community High School.