Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative’s mission is to alleviate food insecurity in Whitehall and Coplay.

If you, a family member or friend needs food, call 484-225-0358 and talk with us.

Everyone needs assistance some time in their life. There is no shame in needing food. I always say no one should ever be hungry in this country. We are here to help you.

During the summer, WCHI anticipated an increase in the need for food this fall by Whitehall and Coplay low- income residents due to high food, gas and rent prices.

WCHI’s pantry is open 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4:30-7 p.m. the second and third Thursday of every month by appointment. Each household can only attend our pantry once a month. We consistently add new households every month. Not every registered household attends every month. In September, we had record attendance.

Our pantry was the busiest we have ever been for the last distribution Oct. 13. We served 121 households consisting of 175 children, 210 adults and 90 seniors - for a total of 475 people.

A huge thank you is extended to each one of our dedicated volunteers. They worked nonstop all day that very rainy day.

Our second food distribution is Oct. 20. We are also expecting another day of record attendance. We have all our reservation time slots scheduled for the entire day.

WCHI does not turn anyone away who needs food and who meets the mandated financial income limits. A valid driver’s license or picture ID along with proof of residency is required. We sometimes have cancellations due to people’s work schedules changing, new doctor’s appointments, etc. Call to schedule an appointment.

We also need to have Spanish and Arabic interpreters help us at our distributions. If you can help, call 484-225-0358.

I also wanted to thank everyone who has been making food, toiletry and monetary donations. In preparing for the upcoming holidays, WCHI is collecting the following food items: boxed mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy and Stove Top stuffing.

Can your faith-based organization, civic organization, club or business help do a food drive for us for these items?

We could also use canned pasta such as Chef Boyardee, Beefaroni or ravioli; canned soups other than cream of mushroom, cream of chicken and vegetable; canned beans such as black, Lima, lentils, chickpeas, kidney, string beans, etc.; condiments like ketchup, mustard or relish; ground coffee; Hamburger Helper; macaroni and cheese boxes; oatmeal packet boxes; pancake mix; pancake syrup; plain or flavored rice bags/boxes; rice and pasta sides, such as Knorr pasta or rice packets; and tomato or spaghetti sauce in cans or plastic jars.

Additionally, we are also in need of feminine pads and liners.

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

Leave your donations inside the foyer on the right 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays.

Thank you, and have a great week!