The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly increased food bank usage to record levels. Many Americans are lining up and streaming into food banks, including those who have never before needed food bank services.

The Northampton Area Food Bank is no exception. Food request volume is up at the 1601 Canal St. site.

On Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving, the food bank had numerous residents coming in for help. All experienced a need for food because of joblessness and lost opportunities.

A musician who utilized the food bank reported he is in a tough spot because of canceled concerts.

“When I get back on my feet again, I will hold a concert to help this food bank raise money,” he said with gratitude.

Death, illness and disappointments of all kinds have been a hallmark of this pandemic.

The 98th iconic Northampton-Catasauqua Turkey Day football game was canceled due to the pandemic.

The Northampton Football Booster Club generally organizes a banquet the night before the big game for players and family. The banquet was also called off.

A decision was made to donate all the food and drinks purchased for the team dinner to the food bank. Northampton Football Booster Club President Jennifer Szilagyi and member Steve Kerbacher organized the food delivery.

They enlisted quarterback Joe Kerbacher and lineman Sam Nelson, both Thanksgiving Day 2020 game captains, as well as running back Michael Cruz and full back Jonathon Mannino to help deliver the food.

All four players are seniors but have not made any post-high school decisions to date. They are expected to graduate in June 2021.

As they granted custody of their former banquet food to the food bank volunteers, the players lamented the game cancellation. However, they also witnessed the need for assistance, as people stood waiting for items to help feed themselves and their families, and were pleased with their team’s donation.

“I thank you for what you are doing,” one food bank recipient told the players. “I am proud of you. You may not realize it now - later in life you might - but what you did here today is far more important than a football game.”