The next Whitehall- Coplay Hunger Initiative Food Pantry distribution is scheduled for 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5:30- 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at St. John the Baptist Church, 3024 S. Ruch St., Whitehall.

If we have bad weather, we will post on our WCHI Facebook page and on WFMZ Channel 69, where the banner should be running along the bottom of your TV screen. I will also update the message on our WCHI phone at 484-225-0358. You can also call or text me at 610-730-8067.

If the distribution is canceled, it will be rescheduled for Feb. 18 at the same location and times.

The Diocese of Allentown has answered some questions I had asked regarding volunteer clearances. WCHI is the first nonparish organization in the diocese, and we have updated the required clearances.

Please note our website is currently under construction, and these are our updated volunteer requirements as of Feb. 6. Please read through this entire listing. If interested, sign up at whitehallcoplayhungerinitiative.org/volunteer-portal.html and we will send you the expanded list with links.

Below are the requirements that must be completed to volunteer for any of our Whitehall- Coplay Hunger Initiative outreach programs, including but limited to the food pantry, the garden at Mickley-Prydun Farm, the kids summer breakfast camp, Mickley Run Apartments and Snack Pack Pals.

Note: Our bimonthly free community meal requirements will be at the sole discretion of the host meal site. None of the requirements below pertain to our community meal program.

1. Complete the WCHI code of conduct form.

2. Read and sign the Child Protective Services Law Policy acknowledgment form.

3. Complete the Pennsylvania State Police criminal record check (Patch).

4. Complete the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History certificate.

5. Complete the mandated reporter training.

6. Get a Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background fingerprint test.

The following are requirements are for students ages 12-17.

1. All students must be supervised by a WCHI volunteer with all the required clearances, depending where the student volunteers.

2. The following two clearances are required before being on Catholic- owned property: read and sign the acknowledgment form for diocese’s code of conduct, and read and sign the diocese’s sexual abuse policy and acknowledgment.

These four additional requirements below are for Catholic parishioners or employees at any Catholic-owned property to volunteer at our food pantry since we are located on Catholic- owned property.

1. Complete the Diocese of Allentown background check authorization form for lay employees and volunteers.

2. Read and sign the acknowledgment form for diocese’s code of conduct.

3. Read and sign the diocese’s sexual abuse policy and acknowledgment form.

4. Attend the Protecting God’s Children class and provide the attendance certificate.

If you need access to a computer and/or printer to complete the requirements, Whitehall Township Public Library allows guests to use its facilities. There is a small cost for printing. No library card is required as you can get a guest pass. Call the library at 610-432-4339 to find out the computer hours.