Annual Food Drive Benefits New Bethany, Meals on Wheels Lehigh Valley

New Bethany Inc., a local nonprofit that provides nutritious food access, housing and social services, will serve as a beneficiary along with Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley, for this year’s Spring into Giving Helping Hour food drive on Wednesday, May 14, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Meals on Wheels in Allentown.

"The annual Spring into Giving food drive has become a cornerstone of our community’s support network, and the contributions it generates make a profound impact on the families and individuals we serve,” said Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley Executive Director Erik McGaughey. "We are thrilled to be a co-beneficiary this year with New Bethany, and look forward to another year working to ensure Lehigh Valley residents have access to nutritious food.”

BrightStar Care of Stroudsburg & Allentown, Amedisys Hospice, Meals On Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Friends of Pete partner annually to host the food drive, which benefits a different food pantry each year.

"Alongside Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley, New Bethany plays a vital role in addressing food insecurity in our community,” said BrightStar Care of Stroudsburg & Allentown’s Community Liaison Dale Wilson. “This partnership highlights the incredible work both organizations do to provide essential resources to those in need, and we are proud to support these efforts in such a meaningful way."

This year’s community food drive will include networking, snacks, prizes and tastings courtesy of Bar H, Sherman Street Beer Company and Tolino Vineyards. Local businesses and organizations from the Midway Manor Community Association will be on location.

Community members are invited to attend the event and bring food donations. Donation items specifically requested are:

• Instant oatmeal— Flavor variety, 10 packets per box
• Peanut butter— Individual cups or pouches
• Tuna in a pouch
• Chicken in a pouch
• Reduced sodium soup— Chicken noodle or vegetable in an easy-open 18.5 ounce can
• Fruit in easy-open cans
• Fruit cups in light syrup
• Shelf-stable milk— Individual boxes
• Peanut butter crackers

This year marks the sixth “Spring into Giving” food drive, which began in 2021. It has since grown exponentially over the years, becoming a significant community event. The 2024 food drive, which benefited ProJeCt Easton, attracted over 250 attendees.

"This initiative exemplifies the power of working together to make a better Lehigh Valley for all, which is at the heart of New Bethany’s mission,” said New Bethany’s Executive Director Marc Rittle. “Partnering with other local organizations to address food insecurity allows us to extend our reach and better serve our neighbors who rely on New Bethany’s support.”

Individuals who cannot attend on the day of the food drive can drop off donations before or after the event at Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley, 1302 N. Sherman St. in Allentown.

Information on sponsorship opportunities for local businesses that would like to get involved is available at https://mowglv.org/news-more/events/.