ALLENTOWN, Pa. - The Allentown School District and the Allentown School District Foundation are leading a food drive to help families facing food insecurity during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The districtwide emergency food drive runs through Friday, Nov. 14, and aims to support the more than 16,000 students and families served by the district.
Organizers say many are feeling the impact of disruptions to federal nutrition benefits such as SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
More than 91% of Allentown School District students are considered economically disadvantaged, and nearly 98% qualify for free or reduced-price meals, according to district figures.
Community members, businesses, and organizations can donate online through the Allentown School District Foundation’s Zeffy page or drop off nonperishable food items during business hours at any district school building or the administration center through Friday, Nov. 14.
Items needed most include canned soups and stews; canned fruits and vegetables; peanut butter and jelly; pasta, rice and cereal; and personal care items like shampoo, bar soap and toothpaste.
Officials say that for many children, school meals are their most consistent source of food.
“We know these are our families, our neighbors, our students — and they deserve to know their community is here to support them,” said Patti Bruno, executive director of the Allentown School District Foundation, in a news release.
The foundation, a registered nonprofit, is collecting monetary donations to purchase food and essential items that are difficult to gather or urgently needed, including baby formula, diapers, hygiene supplies, and specialty food items.
The campaign is a collaboration between the Allentown School District, Second Harvest Food Bank, and the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
Schools Superintendent Carol Birks said district social workers and community partners are coordinating distribution to ensure aid reaches families quickly and confidentially.
“In our district, compassion leads our actions, and no child or family will face hunger alone,” the district said in a statement.
