As we get closer to the end of 2022 and enjoy this holiday season, all our amazing volunteers and I wish to extend our appreciation to everyone who has given Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative their time, talents and treasures to help us feed so many people this year. It has been a very busy and great year for WCHI.

Just to give you data on the guests we have helped throughout the year, in January, we served 230 households comprised of 366 adults, 364 children and 110 seniors - for a total of 840 people. We strive to provide food to make five meals per person, which totaled 4,200 meals.

In November, we served 243 households comprised of 408 adults, 320 children and 185 seniors - for a total of 913 people. WCHI provided food for 4,565 meals.

December is still underway, and our numbers change monthly.

Note that for the households that receive food, the number of items given is based on the total number of people living in the household. WCHI is a choice pantry, so our guests choose the foods they will eat.

Each household can select from canned fruit and vegetables; protein like canned tuna, chicken, salmon, beans and peanut butter; rice and pasta; ready-to-eat foods like Chef Boyardee; cereal; grains; condiments; coffee; snacks; baby food; refrigerated food like milk, eggs and cheese; frozen food; fresh produce; and personal hygiene products. Sometimes, we have dog and cat food.

All items are while they are available and while supplies last.

Unfortunately, food costs continue to rise, and there are many supply issues. WCHI is so grateful for Second Harvest Food Bank. It provides us with approximately 90% of our food.

As of Dec. 15, the Second Harvest inventory was dramatically reduced to 137 total food and nonfood items. Most of the food is free to food pantries like ours. Second Harvest serves 200 agencies in six counties.

Of the 137 items available, 42 of these are purchase items, which are at a reduced cost than if we purchased them from the grocery store. The number of available food items that we would order is sharply reduced from January, and the purchase program has increased 31% of this week’s available inventory.

Some items we will order, and others are of no interest to us for our guests. We are also a healthy pantry, so we like foods that are not sugary and salty, though we do provide some of these items occasionally.

Because of the rising food costs, current supply chain issues and the limited supply of foods available now through Second Harvest, I am strongly requesting individuals, businesses and faith-based organizations host food drives for WCHI as soon as possible.

Recently, Good Shepherd Catholic School, Northampton; Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Whitehall; Taylor Villas housing subdivision, Whitehall; Changes for Hair salon, Whitehall; and Whitehall Township, organized by Melanie Pries, did December food drives that provided WCHI with much-needed food. This food was provided to our guests this week. WCHI just received 250 pounds of dog and cat food from Boy Scouts of America Order of the Arrow.

Thank you, everyone, for your donations!

WCHI needs: canned fruit, except applesauce; canned chicken; peanut butter; canned pasta like Chef Boyardee, ravioli and beefaroni; red kidney beans; rice; non-sweet cereal like Cheerios and Rice Krispies; soup varieties including Chunky soups, but no vegetable or cream of mushroom or chicken; and condiments such as ketchup, mustard or mayonnaise.

Also, if you know of a company that can donate free dog and cat food, please let me know as soon as possible.

WCHI also accepts monetary gifts of any size. WCHI needs to deposit your check by Dec. 31 to possibly be a 2022 tax deduction. WCHI is 501(c)(3) IRS-approved nonprofit organization, and your donation may be tax deductible. Please discuss with your financial adviser.

All food and monetary donations are greatly appreciated and may be shipped to, dropped off or mailed to Shari Noctor, 1080 Schadt Ave., Whitehall, 18052.

Leave your food donations inside the foyer on the right side, 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 all for helping WCHI, and have a great week!