Allentown residents are confronting a growing food‑insecurity crisis as the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank sees a dramatic surge in demand just two weeks before Thanksgiving. According to WFMZ, the pantry typically serves about 2,100 families each month, but this year 55% of those families are first‑time visitors, a steep increase from the 4% new‑client rate recorded last year.
Executive Director Ann Eagan described the situation as a “perfect storm” of federal program reductions, state‑level delays, cuts to food assistance, and rising living costs. She warned that the pantry is concerned about running out of food, noting that basic items such as peanut butter and pasta sauce have already disappeared from the shelves.
Clients like Katrina Carrillo, a single mother of three, said the pantry’s supplies are noticeably bare. “It’s hard, especially, you know, being a single parent,” Carrillo told reporters. She has visited the food bank twice this year and fears the food she receives “won’t go far.” Carrillo added that she may need to seek assistance from another pantry to support her family.
Another client, Lucrecia Fragoso, expressed similar worries, saying, “Everything is expensive,” as she strives to care for her grandson. The pantry’s limited inventory means it will not be providing turkey dinner fixings for Thanksgiving, leaving many families uncertain about how they will celebrate the holiday.
Cost pressures are evident on the supply side as well. A single pallet of tuna, a staple for many pantry meals, costs roughly $3,000, according to the report. Second Harvest, a statewide hunger‑relief organization, is working with state lawmakers to release additional funds to help meet the heightened demand, though no timeline has been confirmed.
Community members who wish to help can donate through the food bank’s website at allentownfoodbank.org. Volunteers and donors are encouraged to act quickly, as the pantry’s ability to maintain essential supplies hinges on local support during this critical period.
What’s next: With Thanksgiving only two weeks away, the food bank will continue to monitor inventory levels and seek emergency funding. Residents are urged to contribute food or funds now to help ensure that families in Allentown do not go without a holiday meal.
Sources: wfmz.com
