I wanted to provide our readers with different food resources available to you in the Lehigh Valley.

The Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative is here to help all low-income residents in Whitehall and Coplay with both our food pantry monthly distributions and our new senior box program.

The senior box program provides an additional 35 pounds of food for eligible seniors aged 60 and older though our pantry. To schedule a pantry appointment, call 484-225-0358. For senior box information, call Gail at 610-351-6412.

WCHI sometimes has dog and cat food available for our pantry guests. The Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley, 860 Broad St., Emmaus, also provides dog and cat food. For more information, call 610-421-8014.

Learn about other food pantries that work with Second Harvest Food Bank at shfblv.org/findfood.

We also work with Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Its priority is to help homebound residents. Contact the organization at 610-691-1030 or mowglv.org/services.

I wanted to give a little more info on SNAP and WIC. Many people are not aware of these programs.

SNAP - the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - helps Pennsylvanians buy food. People in eligible low-income households can obtain more nutritious diets with SNAP, increasing their food-purchasing power at grocery stores and supermarkets. Those who are eligible receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) ACCESS Card to make food purchases.

Did you know many college students are eligible for financial aid to assist with paying for college? Consider SNAP your food aid to help you focus on school and stay healthy. SNAP benefits help increase food budgets, allowing you to afford nutritious options including fruits, vegetables, organic foods and more. More detailed information can be found at tinyurl.com/3kt2cam4.

SNAP income limits have changed recently to help more people. Contact Second Harvest SNAP Outreach Coordinators Kathryn Hoffman at 484-821-2406 or Vanessa Morel at 484-821-2405 for more information.

WIC - the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children - has helped Pennsylvania families since 1974. WIC helps pregnant women, mothers and caregivers of infants and young children learn about good nutrition to keep themselves and their families healthy. It provides nutrition services, breast-feeding support, health care and social service referrals and healthy foods to eligible participants.

For more information, contact Lehigh County at 1-866-942-8463 or Northampton County at 1-866-942-8463.

For other food resources, go to the Lehigh Valley Food Policy website at lvfpc.org/individual-food-resources.

There are many food resources available here in the Lehigh Valley. I wanted to provide awareness and information about them. Please utilize them, if needed, and share this information with others.

Have a great week!