Lehigh Valley corporations join United Way hunger effort

Several local corporations are supporting an effort by the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation to launch a Critical Support Fund to address immediate needs in the community, beginning with emergency food access. 

Currently, more than 106,000 people receive SNAP benefits in the region. At the same time, many of the region’s social service providers are struggling to keep up with the need and have not been able to access funding that typically supports food access programs. 

The Critical Support Fund will provide rapid relief, so nonprofit food providers can keep shelves stocked and distribute food where it is needed most. 

“Too many of our neighbors are feeling the strain when vital support systems are stretched,” said Marci Lesko, president and CEO of United Way. “When need rises and resources tighten, our community shows up. We’re grateful for the extraordinary collaboration across nonprofits, funders and volunteers who are stepping up together to meet this moment.” 

Your United Way is joining together with additional donors and funders to raise $500,000 to support: keeping key food pantries stocked with crucial staples for a minimum of three months and insuring food is distributed to neighborhoods with the greatest need 

Initial funding partners include the Dexter F. & Dorothy H. Baker Foundation, Capitol Blue Cross, Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management, LLC, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, the Garrigan Foundation, Just Born Quality Confections, LeCompte Realty, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, Stephen Link and Family Fund, the Marcon Family Fund, The Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation, Dan and Lucinda McCarthy, Olympus Corporation of the Americas, PPL Foundation, Teamsters Local 773, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Andrea and Angelo Valletta, and Valley National Financial Advisors.  

Funds will be distributed for immediate relief, working in partnership with an action group of local food providers who are co-leading this response strategy. 

 “This is what community looks like in action. This effort is also a powerful example of what can happen when funders, nonprofit leaders, and donors come together with urgency and purpose. United Way and the Community Foundation are standing shoulder to shoulder to ensure food remains accessible to every family during this critical moment,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli,  president and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.