On Monday, September 23, an author and a panel of food experts gathered in the Commons at the Lehigh Valley Charter HS for the Arts for a book talk and panel discussion of the food success and issues in the city of Bethlehem and beyond.

Mark Winne, author of Food Town USA: Seven Unlikely Cities Changing the Way We Eat, started off the evening by introducing himself and reading some of his book to the audience. Of the cities profiled in the book, Bethlehem has the honor of the first chapter. The book was for sale at the event, with the proceeds benefiting The Charter HS Lunch Box Fund, and the Lehigh Valley Food Policy Council.

The discussion panelists included Kelly Allen, of Northampton Community College and the board of the Bethlehem Food Co-op; Diane Elliott, former executive director of New Bethany Ministries; Chris Hudock, of the Rising Tide Community Loan Fund; Fran Molinari, of Molinari’s Restaurant; Olga Negron, Bethlehem City Council, and Laura Kuykendall, head of marketing at The Factory, LLC.

Winne’s book centers on smaller cities across the United States that have struggled with food issues, predominantly food supply and or food desserts, and have developed cultures and strategies that are helping combat these issues. He read the chapter on Sitka, Alaska, that faces challenges to its food system caused by climate change. He also read a passage from his chapter on Bethlehem, about Fegley’s Brew Works.

Much of the discussion centered on Bethlehem, and its four food deserts, particularly the Southside, where no full service grocery store exists. The lack of space for such a store was mentioned, as was the socioeconomic dynamic of the area.

Some of the local initiatives discussed were community gardens, including the garden at New Bethany Ministries on the Southside; the Bethlehem Food Co-op; and the Lehigh Valley Fresh Food Bucks program. The Food Co-op is in the fundraising stage, with plans to open a grocery location somewhere in the city. Fresh Food Bucks are participated in by certain vendors at local farmer’s markets, and offer double benefits to SNAP recipients, allowing up to $10 to be doubled.

Economic growth of restaurants, festivals, and educational institutions were another point of the discussions. Northampton Community College’s development of a substantial community garden, and Charter Arts students, faculty and parents seeking lunch and dinners in the area were highlighted. Diane LaBelle, Director of Charter Arts, was interviewed for the book, and was present at the event.

The discussion concluded with questions from the audience. Most notable was the final question, “what is a living wage in the Lehigh Valley. Kelly Allen declared “a healthy food system needs a healthy wage system.” Diane Elliot produced the Housing and Urban Development number, and that is $23.15 an hour, for a family of four.