Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative Food Pantry has its own site for fresh vegetables.

The WCHI farm site at the Mickley-Prydun Farm, 3540 S. Ruch St., Whitehall, is filled with zucchini, yellow squash, peppers, eggplant, radishes, carrots, string beans and corn. There are also some tomato plants that were recently donated. The garden was started three years ago, initiated by a grant the WCHI received.

The site was once the home of John Jacob Mickley Sr., who brought the Liberty Bell by wagon from Philadelphia to Allentown for safekeeping from British troops during the Revolutionary War. The farmhouse boasts a 19th-century farmstead and an 18th-century kitchen.

Shari Noctor, WCHI president, was instrumental in setting up this land, not just to be historically preserved but to be used practically for growing vegetables to serve to people at the food pantry.

Gwen Herzog has overseen the garden and coordinated volunteers since last year. She said that, with the garden, they are able to produce enough vegetables to serve 250 families a month at the food pantry.

“Almost everyone wants fresh products,” she said.

She noted they tried to grow broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, but the vegetables were eaten by groundhogs. She jokingly commented that anyone who knows about groundhog removal should contact her.

Foxes, coyotes and deer have also been spotted in the garden, but they are less destructive.

They did find out that hot peppers near broccoli and cauliflower will keep groundhogs away so they are looking to plant hot peppers closer to the fall.

Herzog reported they are always looking for volunteers.

The garden preparation begins in April, with the actual planting starting Memorial Day. The volunteers pick vegetables 6-7 p.m. every Tuesday and at least one other day during the week. She said participation from the community would be welcome.

The pantry holds distributions the second and third Thursdays of every month, and volunteers are needed for that as well. Currently, there are six volunteers for the garden and 30 volunteers for the pantry. Herzog is very thankful but is seeking more people who are willing and able.

She pointed out people who see them working will randomly come and help. Many neighbors see the gardening, and, when they realize the good work being done from this project, they wish to participate.

She said it is evident many people like gardening, and this is a way to enjoy that activity and serve the needs of the community as well.

Anyone interested can call Herzog at 610-379-6823.