Empowering Seniors: Allentown Food Bank Launches New Program to Deliver Essential Meals

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A small act of kindness is making a big difference at Gross Towers in Allentown.

Once a month, over 200 residents in low-income housing receive food from the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank. This includes fresh, frozen, and nonperishable items, all donated to help those in need.

“This food bank is vital for those who can’t get food or are disabled,” says 78-year-old Anne Barns. Many, like 69-year-old Karen Cook, rely on this service. “I don’t drive. It’s important for me,” she shares.

The food is delivered using a donated Amazon van, making access easier for residents. Anne Egan, Executive Director of the food bank, explains, “There are many senior housing buildings nearby. We thought it would be great to deliver food to those who can’t get out.”

This delivery program started last year and includes three low-income apartment buildings in Allentown. The food bank packs a variety of items, which are then loaded into the truck for delivery.

However, the food bank is facing challenges. Due to recent federal budget cuts, supplies have decreased, forcing them to be more creative in meeting the community’s needs. “We’re not a supermarket, so suppliers often overlook us,” Egan admits.

Despite the challenges, Egan is optimistic about growth. They plan to add 300 more seniors to the program and are open to requests. When asked what food items she would like, Cook mentions, “We’d love some catfish nuggets!”

The current economic landscape adds urgency to these efforts. According to a recent USDA report, food insecurity affected 10.5% of U.S. households in 2022. This statistic highlights the importance of food banks in communities like Allentown.

Social media trends also reflect a growing awareness of food insecurity. Hashtags like #FoodBankFriday are trending, urging more people to support local food initiatives.

As this program expands, it embodies the spirit of community support—showing how small actions can lead to significant change.

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allentown, pennsylvania, director of the allentown area ecumenical food bank