Since 2016, Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative, the faith-based community and others have been proud to provide free community meals to low-income Whitehall-Coplay School District residents twice a month. These meals became a huge hit.

Attendance included individuals, a couple of friends or family members, multigenerational households and seniors. Many new friendships were formed. Some even started dressing up, saving tables for their friends and treating the meals as a social event.

COVID-19 arrived, and the meals were temporarily shut down.

Our WCHI meals are intended for any low-income WCSD resident. Many residents recently believed the meals are strictly for seniors. This is not true, though seniors have become the largest group attending our meals.

All age groups are welcome to attend both meals on the first Sunday of the month and the third Tuesday of the month, both 4-6 p.m. WCHI will post a meal reminder on Facebook and Instagram. It will note if the meal is for sit-down or takeout or a version of both. The meal being served also will be posted.

Thank you to the following host sites: St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, Whitehall Active Community Center, Muslim Association of the Lehigh Valley, Whitehall Bible Fellowship Church, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church and Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church. Some locations provided two meals.

The May 20 Whitehall community center meal was canceled since the site was used as a polling site.

WCHI has many interested organizations who want to host a meal but do not have a proper facility or manpower to both make and serve a meal. WCHI found a solution. We recently asked local restaurants to prepare a hot or cold meal that we pick up and bring to a designated church social hall.

The host church then oversees the meal distribution. Our meal provider partners for this situation include Whitehall Wawa, Coplay Eatery and Samuel Owens Restaurant and Bar.

This information comes from Arturo Alvarez-Demalde Business and Charities at tinyurl.com/6jfhja2v.

“Free community meals provide nutrition, offers community and provides relief. For those struggling with food insecurity, a free, nutritious meal can make a big difference. Many people rely on food pantries and soup kitchens to get vital nutrients they might otherwise lack. A good meal gives energy and helps support health and well-being.

“Sharing a meal together fosters connection. For people who are homeless or isolated, a free community meal provides an opportunity to socialize and find fellowship. Conversations bloom, friendships form and people gain a sense of belonging.

“Knowing where your next meal will come from is something many of us take for granted. For those in need, a free meal offered with kindness and respect can help restore a sense of dignity. It signifies that someone cares and values them. For families struggling to make ends meet, a free meal means one less worry and expense. It provides relief from stress and financial burden, if only for a little while. Parents can breathe easier knowing their children will have full bellies, and resources can be directed to other essential needs.”

Visit tinyurl.com/4y285vp3 for a complete list of our July to December 2025 meal dates and locations. Share the list with a WCSD resident who may benefit by attending our meals.

Thank you to all who help food-insecure people in our community. Together, we all are making a difference in people’s lives.

For more information, call Karen Haberern, program chair, at 610-730-3184.