Published December 13. 2022 02:58PM
by Dana Grubb Special to the Bethlehem Press
Northeast Community Center and public officials dedicated a new food pantry with an official ribbon-cutting Nov. 30 at their northeast neighborhood facility on 1161 Fritz Drive.
The consolidation of three existing rooms into one large pantry with ADA entrance and loading area was funded with a $110,000 grant from Lowe’s Hometowns program. Executive director Paula Johnson thanked the building owner, the Bethlehem Housing Authority and contractor Sean Curry Construction for their cooperation and performance with the conversion of space.
Johnson said the project will fight food insecurity and help the community. She also cited collaborations with the Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem, Bethlehem Police Department, Bethlehem Housing Authority, Bethlehem Area School District and elected officials.
Mayor J. William Reynolds participated and praised the community effort. “So many people that care brought creativity, dedication and passion to do this in Bethlehem.”
The pantry is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m.-noon and the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m.. Contact NECC at 610-691-3355 for additional information.
R.K. Laros Foundation President Sharon Zondag (far left) attended the ribbon cutting with several foundation trustees. They had provided financial assistance on an earlier pantry configuration at the community center.
“This is the best thing in my eight years as executive director,” said Paula Johnson, who introduced her staff, Program Director Sara Ebersole and Marketing and Development Director Chrisdee Lawyer.
NECC board President Anmarie Roy cuts the dedication ribbon held by Executive Director Paula Johnson and Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds.
Executive Director Paula Johnson is tickled pink to show off the new pantry.
Contractor Sean Curry and his partner Coty Wampole in front of the new ADA compliant entrance into the pantry. “It was a very short deadline and we decided to take on the challenge,” said Curry.
The shelves are full and ready to meet the demand of the “low income community.”
PRESS PHOTOS BY DANA GRUBB Marketing and Development Director Chrisdee Lawyer answers questions from those in attendance at the ribbon cutting.
