Parkland CARES Food Pantry opened its doors to its new choice pantry April 24 with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Western Lehigh Chamber of Commerce, proud partner with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Hayden Rinde, with the Western Lehigh Chamber of Commerce served as the emcee for the ceremony.

“We are honored to be here today to celebrate this new chapter in the story of Parkland CARES Food Pantry. Their journey, which only began six years ago has impacted so many lives here in the Parkland area. We cannot wait to see how the Parkland Choice Pantry as well as the expanded snack pack program is going to continue to serve the community,” Rinde said before introducing the chair of the Western Lehigh Chamber of Commerce Carol Ulrich.

Ulrich said the chamber is so excited for the ceremony and how far the Parkland CARES Food Pantry has come.

“We enjoy coming to Parkland CARES and doing our own voluntary events. We’re just happy to be here, we’re happy for you guys and all the hard work you put in to make this happen,” Ulrich said before recognizing fellow board members Susan Cooper, Kelly Dillbeck, Ron Eichenberg, Howard Ellsworth, Brad Maier, Kathy Raider and Tori Morgan, who were attending the ceremony.

U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, R-7th, also addressed the crowd.

“I would like to thank and congratulate Parkland CARES, all the board members, volunteers and everybody who is involved in the program for doing fantastic work to serve our community,” Mackenzie said. “Unfortunately, we see how often food insecurity is touching people to a greater extent than ever before. We in Congress are recognizing that challenge we’re facing all across the country as well and just recently we passed a continuing resolution that included an additional $500 million for WIC and $36 million for community supplemental food programs which some food banks participate in for food packages for seniors.”

Mackenzie then presented Parkland CARES with a certificate on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Randy Cope, of North Whitehall Township, said when the doors first opened for the pantry they opened communication here and they stayed open through some difficult years keeping their shelves filled and their lights on and the township is very happy to see you staying here in the community.

“Thank you for staying here and all the best of luck for many years to come,” Cope said after presenting Katrina Sundstrom, executive director with Parkland CARES Food Pantry with a proclamation on behalf of the township.

Sarah Hildebrant, from the office of state Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-16th, also presented Sundstrom with a certificate of recognition from the PA State House of Representatives for the dedication and hard work the Parkland CARES brings to the community.

“It is absolutely amazing what you guys have done over the past six years and definitely is recognized by Sen. Coleman,” Hildebrant said. “We are very grateful to be a part of this and grateful to be able to recognize the care that Parkland CARES brings to the area.”

Parkland CARES board member Tori Morgan was next to address attendees at the ceremony.

“Tonight, we gather in celebration – not just of a project completed, but of a community that has come together in generosity, kindness and unwavering support,” Morgan said.

She then recognized MKSD Architects, Entech Engineering, Dave Bodnar, North Whitehall Township, Kevin Gruber and Stellar Construction for their support and help in making the Parkland CARES Choice Pantry a reality.

“And to the many supporters and donors whose names you will see on the signs tonight – you have given your time, talents and resources to shape this space into something more than walls and floors. You have built a sanctuary for families, students and community members in need. You have ensured that Parkland CARES remains a beacon of hope and service,” Morgan stated.

“To each and every one of you – thank you. Thank you for believing, for giving, for standing together in service of something greater than ourselves. It truly does take a village, and tonight, we celebrate the power of that village,” she added.

Morgan said in closing Katrina Sundstrom has been the heart and soul of this team, the steady hand that has led the team to this new chapter.

“She has not just built a pantry – she has built a place of peace, love and reassurance for every person who walks through our doors,” Morgan said.

Sundstrom thanked Morgan for her statement saying, “Thank you, Tori that was really sweet,” before addressing attendees at the ceremony.

She then said this is a big night for Parkland CARES and its hard to believe its been six years since the last time the team cut the ribbon in front of the original pantry.

“Since its inception, Parkland CARES has existed to support students in the Parkland community. Little did we know when we started where our path would take us. Little did we know that what we do here is bigger than anyone of us,” Sundstrom said. “From the students we feed, to the parents and grandparents struggling to make ends meet, to the families dealing with a devastating diagnosis, to our seasoned families living out their last years, to the veterans who have fought for our freedom and to the abused women whose bruises are both visible and unseen, we now exist for them.”

She said the original 115 families they fed from the food pantry before the pandemic quickly multiplied during the pandemic, so systems were put in place, procedures were recreated and a new norm: the drive-thru distribution was created.

Sundstrom added just as the drive-thru distribution took shape, so did the snack pack program and to date they have served over 14,000 snack packs to students.

“This doesn’t happen without the partnership of the Parkland School District, all its dedicated administration, counselors, psychologists and all those involved in identifying the students most in need,” she said. “This partnership is one that we are beyond grateful for and one that we are anticipating a very, very bright future ahead.”

Sundstrom said the Parkland CARES fight against hunger was reborn once again on the morning of March 13, when they opened the doors to their new Choice Pantry and in just two months, they have served over 325 families and the snack pack program that feeds 33% of students in Parkland facing food insecurity is finally on the same property as the pantry.

“As we march on, the future is bright for Parkland CARES. We are looking forward to the day when we break ground on our own garden just outside these walls,” Sundstrom stated. “In addition to nourishing our families, we are also planning on providing financial workshops, increased senior services, healthy cooking demonstrations, tutoring services and more.”

“From the bottom of my heart, I would like to personally thank every single one of our volunteers. It is one of the greatest honors of my life to serve beside you; you honestly are all like family to me. As I always say, you are truly the heart and soul of this organization. Without you, none of this works! Thank you,” Sundstrom said.

She also took time to thank the individual donors, businesses, organizations, sports teams, churches and food partners and donors for their support as well as the board of directors who have played an integral role in where the pantry is today and her parents, husband Rich and children Sydni and A.J.

“To Gary Smith, the inspiration behind the pantry. Although I’ll never have the opportunity to share the pantry with you on this side of heaven, I know you are looking down on us. There is no doubt in my mind that time after time you have guided my thoughts, our steps and the direction for this place. I’ll wait patiently for the day that I will get to tell you all about it ... Until then, my friend, we have a whole heck of a lot of work to do,” Sundstrom said.