BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Food banks and pantries across the region are reporting empty shelves and a surge in calls from families seeking help.
It's the result of a perfect storm of rising need and a continued pause in SNAP benefits.
With nearly 97,000 Lehigh Valley residents depending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the expected pause in federal payments beginning Saturday has prompted local food banks and pantries to urge the community to help fill the gap.
For a list of food pantries in Lehigh and Northampton counties, visit this list compiled by the news staff.
Relying on the community
Inside the ceiling-high shelves at Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania, in East Allentown Township, a large portion of the normally stocked shelves remain bare.
The food bank, which serves six Pennsylvania counties — including Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton — provides food to about 110,000 people each month.
"It's a triple scenario where the food bank is facing astronomical gaps in service because we're not getting those funding streams through to purchase food."Second Harvest Community Services Manager Nicole Folino
Because of the state's budget stalemate — as well as federal funding cuts and a budget impasse — the food bank could be left without food to distribute, officials said.
"It's a triple scenario where the food bank is facing astronomical gaps in service because we're not getting those funding streams through to purchase food," Second Harvest Community Services Manager Nicole Folino said.
"We're really relying on the community right now to donate as much food and dollars as they can so we can fill that gap as we wait to see what happens to the funding."
How we got here
In early October, federal officials warned states of a potential interruption in SNAP benefits — the first lapse in the program’s 60-year history.
On Monday, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro joined a multi-state lawsuit urging President Donald Trump’s administration to use reserve funds to keep the program running during the shutdown.
The lawsuit, filed by several Democratic-led states, argues that the U.S. Agriculture Department is withholding more than $5 billion in reserves that could temporarily sustain SNAP payments.
The Agriculture Department has said it does not have the funds to provide the monthly food assistance expected on Saturday, Nov. 1, which would go to 2 million people in Pennsylvania, 800,000 in New Jersey and 100,000 in Delaware.
On Friday, two federal judges ruled that the Trump administration must tap into billions of dollars in emergency funds to at least partially cover SNAP benefits in November.
According to NPR.org,the administration has until "no later than Monday" to consider where to pay at least partial SNAP food benefits to 42 million Americans.
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston acknowledged this will leave millions of people without assistance starting Saturday.
'Second line of defense'
Second Harvest Food Bank is among those who distribute food to the Hispanic Center of Lehigh Valley, or HCLV, in Bethlehem.
Days before the expected pause of SNAP Benefits, HCLV Executive Director Raymond Santigao reported an immediate uptick in requests.
“Yesterday, our food pantry came in to 40 voicemails," Santiago said.
The food pantry at 520 E. 4th St., encourages residents to schedule an appointment to pick up groceries, including canned goods, produce and other essential items.
"Donations of rice, beans, pasta, soup, and canned proteins are especially critical, especially in the winter months, providing families with sustenance and stability."Nicole Folino, Community Manager, Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley
With SNAP benefits delayed, families are turning directly to pantries for essential meals, including Thanksgiving staples such as turkeys, stuffing and gravy.
With Thanksgiving less than a month away, and through partnerships with organizations such as New Bethany and local supermarkets, the Hispanic Center said it will distribute more than 100 turkeys to families in need, with vouchers for fair distribution.
Both Second Harvest and the Hispanic Center emphasize the importance of community support.
Folino said families often make difficult trade-offs among food, rent and medication when funding is delayed.
“If SNAP doesn’t go out, the food bank becomes the second line of defense,” she said.
"Donations of rice, beans, pasta, soup and canned proteins are especially critical, especially in the winter months, providing families with sustenance and stability."
The most requested items at the food bank are: rice, canned protein (chicken, beef stew, tuna), peanut butter, boxed cereal, jams and jellies, crackers, canned chili, tomato sauce (no glass jars), pasta, macaroni and cheese, canned beans (black, red, and pinto) and canned fruits and vegetables.
Volunteer, make a donation
Volunteering is another key way the public can help.
Second Harvest, which had nearly 1,000 volunteers last year, now seeks additional help to package food boxes at its East Allen Township warehouse.
It's a task typically completed during three-to four-hour shifts.
According to Folino, volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring food is distributed efficiently from warehouses to local pantries.
"Every bit of help counts."Fran Ambrosini, a volunteer at the Hispanic Center's food pantry
Every food box/donation, Folino said, is quickly distributed to the pantry network, which spans six counties and includes roughly 160 pantries.
On Monday, Fran Ambrosini, a volunteer at the Hispanic Center's food pantry for the past three years, happily sorted food into major groups — grains, vegetables, proteins, and mixed dishes.
She prioritized staples that are shelf-stable and easy for families to prepare.
She credited the staff at the Hispanic Center — and the donors — for helping hundreds of families in need.
Still, Ambrosini said, there's more that could be done.
"Every bit of help counts," Ambrosini said.
"Whether it's a food donation or an hour of your time, the community coming together is what allows us to support our neighbors during this uncertain time."
To learn more about volunteering and donating goods to Second Harvest Food Bank, visit their donation and volunteer page.
To volunteer or donate food to the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley, visit their food pantry page.
