United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation recently announced early impact from the new Critical Support Fund, which launched on Oct. 30 to address rising needs for food and emergency services.

More than 75 businesses, organizations and individual donors contributed over $600,000, allowing partners to take swift action to support families and food providers.

United Way and LVCF held a news conference in partnership with Community Action Lehigh Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania on Nov. 18 to provide updates on the community effort.

“When people in our community need help, the Greater Lehigh Valley shows up,” said Marci Lesko, president and chief executive officer, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “We want to thank each and every person and organization who supported the fund to provide rapid relief for the families and food providers in partnership Community Action Lehigh Valley, Second Harvest and many others. Your resources have been put into action immediately to get food on pantry shelves and kitchen tables all across Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon and even Monroe counties.”

Bulk orders of produce, dry goods, rice, beans and other shelf-stable items have been placed through Second Harvest Food Bank and are being distributed to more than 100 food pantries across Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe counties. Additional orders of beef, turkey and chicken have been secured through local farmers and regional suppliers to help meet the need for proteins. “The strength of the Lehigh Valley is demonstrated in how we come together,” said LVCF President and CEO Erika Riddle Petrozelli. “Thanks to the remarkable generosity of our donors and the dedication of our food provider network, the Critical Support Fund is delivering rapid relief to families across the region. The Community Foundation is proud to work alongside United Way and our community partners to ensure these essential resources reach those in need — and to strengthen the safety net that so many depend on.”

“Community Action Lehigh Valley is deeply grateful to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Lehigh Valley Community Foundation for their partnership in establishing the Critical Support Fund,” said Dawn Godshall, chief executive officer, Community Action Lehigh Valley. “As families across our region face increased food insecurity due to reductions in SNAP benefits, among other emergency issues, this collaborative effort ensures that we can respond swiftly and compassionately. Together, we are providing a lifeline for our neighbors and reaffirming our shared commitment to a community where everyone has access to the basic resources they need to thrive.”

Partners are coordinating efforts by scheduling a pantry network meeting with Second Harvest, connecting volunteer needs through the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley and providing a train-the-trainer session with Valley Health Partners to help pantry staff support residents who receive SNAP benefits.

The Critical Support Fund was created to meet immediate needs, beginning with food, while remaining flexible to provide other emergency and crisis supports as they arise. In the future, funds may be used to provide baby-mother essentials, energy assistance, emergency shelter and winter warming stations.

United Way and LVCF will continue working with partners to assess needs and ensure relief reaches families and providers efficiently and effectively 

For more information about the Critical Support Fund, contact Erin Connelly at United Way at erinco@unitedwayglv.org, or Erika Riddle Petrozelli at erika@lvcfoundation.org at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.