For July 2025, our Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative Food Pantry served 293 households, consisting of 366 children, 499 adults and 239 seniors, for a total of 1,104 people. This was an 8% increase in total people compared with June’s attendance, when we served 268 households consisting of 355 children, 459 adults and 209 seniors, for a total of 1,023 people.

In July, we registered 12 new households consisting of eight children, 18 adults and seven seniors, for 33 people. This was a 157% increase, compared to June when we registered six new households consisting of 11 children, nine adults and one senior, for a total of 21 people.

These amounts are included in the data in the first paragraph.

Not all registered households attend every month for whatever reason, such not needing food that month, were called into work, have no transportation, health issues, etc. Other residents, due to changes in their financial situation, may now have a need for a food pantry and found out about WCHI.

Below are some accolades our pantry guests have written to us:

“WCHI really makes a difference in our lives. They help up stretch our food budget and always provide healthy foods. We love the fresh produce! Everyone treats us with respect and dignity.” — Household of two seniors from Coplay

“WCHI helps us so much. With every pantry appointment reminder, they ask us to bring our own reusable bags. I am very happy to do that. WCHI should not be paying for bags. Why aren’t more people bringing their own reusable bags?” — Household of two seniors from Whitehall

“WCHI helps me with food for my family. I’m so happy to come to the WCHI pantry. Thank God for them. They are very friendly and helpful and make me feel part of their family. Thank you! You all do a great and awesome job!” — Household of two adults, five children and one senior from Whitehall

WCHI thanks Ivan F. Orrego, branch and community development manager at Community Bank, 1323 Grape St., Whitehall, for nominating WCHI to receive one of the bank’s grand opening sponsorships. WCHI received a $5,000 check as a one-time grant to assist WCHI with our administrative and operating costs. This money is greatly appreciated and needed for rising monthly expenses.

WCHI is 100% volunteer based, and we rely on grant opportunities, public donations and fundraisers to pay for all our expenses. Our largest operating expense is obviously food.

Without these grants, public donations and fundraisers, WCHI could never help as many people as we do. Thank you to everyone in our community who supports us with money, time and talent!