Food Truck Food Drive: A Community Effort
E. Allen Township is gearing up for its 10th annual “Food Truck Food Drive” at Dorney Park. This event is a fantastic opportunity to help those in need in our community. WFMZ, along with Dorney Park and GIANT, aims to collect 10,000 pounds of food for the Second Harvest Food Bank serving the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania.
Cierra Genelle from 69 News recently visited the food bank and spoke with Sarah Wassel, the Associate Executive Director. Wassel emphasized that this drive is all about neighbors helping neighbors. The food bank is preparing for a surge in donations and will accept contributions from everyone in the six-county area.
On Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., drop by Dorney Park’s parking lot to donate. You won’t need to get out of your car—volunteers are ready to help. Just pop your trunk, and they’ll take your donations.
If you’re unsure what to contribute, Wassel suggests focusing on non-perishable items. Think canned proteins like tuna or chicken, pasta, rice, and even peanut butter and jelly. Child-friendly foods and personal care items are also welcome.
Volunteers will sort the donations right on the spot. After the event, they’ll package everything at the food bank and distribute it to local food pantries. Omar Perez, the program supervisor, shared that volunteers play a crucial role in this process. They make sure each box is just the right weight for those receiving the food, striking a balance between heavy and manageable.
The need in the community is significant. Perez mentioned that seeing the community rally to support the food drive warms the hearts of everyone at the food bank.
In recent years, food insecurity has increased, particularly post-pandemic. A report from Feeding America shows that around 42 million people in the U.S. faced food insecurity in 2021. Local efforts like this drive can significantly impact families struggling to make ends meet.
Community events like the Food Drive not only help supply much-needed food but also foster community spirit. It shows how, when people come together, they can make a real difference. So, whether you’re donating, volunteering, or just sharing the word, every bit helps. And remember, the drive is happening rain or shine!
For more information on the Second Harvest Food Bank and how you can get involved, check out their official website.
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food drive, charity, food bank, donations, second harvest food bank, volunteers, community, dorney park, non-perishable food, lehigh valley
