Roughly 97,000 residents across Lehigh and Northampton counties rely on SNAP food benefits. Those benefits were set to expire this weekend, until a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to use contingency funds.
However, a number of Lehigh Valley businesses have stepped up to help those in need, and residents can help as well.
Retail Watch is dedicating this week's column to businesses that are launching food drives or offering free meals to those in need. Know of more? Email us at [email protected].
On behalf of New Bethany's Choice Food Pantry, the Lit Coffee Roastery & Bakeshop will accept donations 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at 26 E. Third St. in Bethlehem.
Recommended donations include nonperishable foods in secure containers, cans or jars such as sauces, soups, beans, vegetables, honey, peanut butter, candy, juices, coconut cream and fish in oil.
"Food is a human right and is an immediate and tangible way to help someone," the roastery said online. "Every donation of food helps."
The Farm & Table will offer free pasta dinners 3:30-7 p.m. on Sunday at 119 S. Main St. in Nazareth.
"This is not political and has no strings attached -- it's simply our way of giving back, especially to those who may be struggling or waiting on benefits to come through," it said online. "Everyone deserves a warm meal and a place to feel welcome. Just walk in, sit down, and enjoy a meal on us. No questions, no forms -- just good food, good people, and community."
Mercatino Italiano is letting customers purchase "Feed a Neighbor" vouchers at its market at 220 N. West End Blvd. in Richland Township.
Priced at $10, $20 and $25, the popular Italian market will use the money from those vouchers to provide free or discounted meals for people impacted by the SNAP benefits expiration or government shutdown.
To support the Quakertown Food Pantry, a truck will also collect non-perishable foods 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 15 in front of the market.
Easton City Council Member Crystal Rose will hold a food drive 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Easton Farmers Market at Scott Park in Easton, a news release announced.
A collection tent near the Larry Holmes statue will accept donations such as fresh produce, nonperishable foods and grocery store gift cards. Residents can also purchase market tokens that will go toward those in need.
"This drive is about neighbors helping neighbors," Rose said in the release, thanking Council Member Frank Pintabone for his support. "We're proud to bring the community together in such a meaningful way."
Karlton Cafe, located at 310 W. Broad St. in Quakertown, started a GoFundMe to help provide free meals to those experiencing food insecurity. It's offering free meals to those who receive SNAP benefits.
"If you have an active SNAP card, please place it along with a matching ID inside the checkbook at checkout -- no questions, no discussion, no judgment," the cafe said online. "Everyone deserves a good meal and a little kindness. Let's take care of one another, Quakertown. All we ask is that those who can support us, do. Small businesses like ours -- and many others -- have been struggling for some time. Your support, kindness, and continued visits truly keep us going."
Belleville Market will host a food drive from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 8 at 20 S. Third St. in Easton. Donations of nonperishable food will go to the nonprofit ProJeCt of Easton's food pantry at 330 Ferry St.
Throughout the rest of the year, customers can also round up their purchases to donate money to the nonprofit.
Keystone Running Store is collecting frozen turkeys and nonperishable foods for local food banks for the rest of the year at 1042 Millcreek Road in Lower Macungie Township, co-owner Chris Schmidt said.
It will also host a "Turkey Trot" at 9 a.m. Nov. 16, starting at Macungie Memorial Park in Macungie, where participants can carry a frozen turkey for a mile before donating it.
Anyone who can't participate in the Trot can drop off donations a week prior at the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach office at 3261 Route 100, Suite 100, in Lower Macungie Township.
Members 1st Federal Credit Union will donate $2,500 to Second Harvest Food Bank, a news release announced.
"When SNAP benefits are delayed, children, families, seniors and veterans may not know where their next meal will come from," Sara Firestone, the vice president of community and public relations at Members 1st, said in the release. "By supporting these local food banks, we are helping make sure everyone in our communities has their basic needs met."
Need help, or want to donate? Use your ZIP code at findhelp.org for other local food pantry sources such as Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank in Allentown and West Bethlehem Food Bank in Bethlehem.
Paranormal Pizza reopened last Saturday at 125 E. Third St. in Bethlehem, following a fire that forced the restaurant to close in 2023.
Sunglass Hut opened at Promenade Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township, it announced online, offering luxury and sports sunglasses between Bath & Body Works and American Eagle. Founded in 1971, the chain also has a store at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township.
James Schmoyer, founder of Ice Cream World at 3512 Hamilton Blvd. in South Whitehall Township, died peacefully last Sunday, leading hundreds of people to express their condolences online.
Zonia Sibri-Quinde finalized her purchase of the popular Stahley's restaurant on Tuesday at 1826 Hanover Ave. in Allentown, nearly 60 years after it opened.