Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative is very proud to help many Whitehall and Coplay residents.

We opened our choice food pantry for inside distribution in May to offer our guests the ability to choose the foods they would eat. Our pantry is set up like a grocery store, and we offer several food groups, including canned fruits and vegetables; canned proteins like tuna fish, salmon, chicken and beans; grains like rice, pasta and cereal; ready-to-eat foods like beef stew, macaroni and cheese and canned soups; snacks; coffee; condiments; baby food; and toiletry items.

These items were also provided for our guests at our outside distributions. Our volunteers packed the bagged items for each food group and transported them outside to the corresponding table. The guests then were registered and drove through our production line in our parking lot, stopping at each table where a volunteer would put the bagged items in their cars. Our hours were 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4:30-7 p.m. Everyone received the same bagged food items.

WCHI is very pleased to have our guests now come inside our pantry. After they are registered, a volunteer provides a shopping cart and a list of what foods are available that day. The volunteer then goes with our guest as they shop through our pantry.

This is great because our guests now have the choice to select the food they will eat. Our food and toiletry selection varies monthly and is available while supplies last.

In May, we registered manually, as we have since January 2021. We were open 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. WCHI served 236 households consisting of 357 adults, 351 children and 151 seniors, for a total of 859 people and registered 25 new households.

In June, we served a similar amount of people to May, but not every household comes every month. We served 240 households consisting of 362 adults, 360 children and 150 seniors, for a total of 872 people and registered 20 new households. In June, we purchased a brand-new computer program, so we can easily digitally register our guests.

Also, before the June distribution, WCHI decided to be open the second and third Thursdays of the month. Not every guest could not make the second Thursday with their work schedules, as some people work two or three jobs.

The days were very long for our volunteers. Some volunteers worked three- or four-hour shifts and others worked straight through the day with a lunch break. With our new computer program, guests also selected their registration time for July.

The pantrty is now open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4:30-7 p.m. the second and third Thursdays of the month. Appointments are required several days before our distributions.

A family member, neighbor or friend can bring residents who do not have transportation. We also work with mobility-impaired guests who cannot walk far or do steps. You can remain in the parking lot. We will register you, and a volunteer will do your shopping.

First-time guests are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment. A household can only come once a month. Every time a guest attends, he or she needs a driver’s license or picture ID and proof of residency like an electric bill.

Call 484-225-0358 with questions and/or to schedule your appointment.

WCHI is fortunate to obtain most of our food needs from Second Harvest Food Bank and from purchases WCHI makes with public monetary donations. WCHI ordered and received 177,439 pounds of food from Second Harvest spanning Jan. 1-June 30.

WCHI also receives grant money from Lehigh County and the Diocese of Allentown. Food donations come from the public and faith-based and civic organizations doing food drives for us. Your generosity is always greatly appreciated. Our food pantry currently needs baby food, breakfast cereal and summer condiments like ketchup, mustard and relish.

All donations are appreciated and may be shipped to or dropped off at my Re/Max Unlimited Real Estate office, 1080 Schadt Ave., Whitehall, 18052.

Leave your donations inside the foyer on the right side 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-noon Sundays.

Thank you, and have a great week!