At New Bethany, we believe everyone deserves access to nutritious food, including fresh produce, dairy and protein. Yet, nearly 80,000 individuals in the Lehigh Valley, including 23,000 children, face food insecurity. Feeding America defines food insecurity as the inability to provide enough food for an active, healthy life. This struggle is driven by poverty, underemployment, income shocks (like job loss or death in the family) and systemic inequalities.
Food insecurity disproportionately impacts underserved communities. In Lehigh and Northampton counties, Hispanic/Latino and African American/Black households experience food insecurity at rates of 22-28%, much higher than the 8% rate for non-Hispanic white households. Transgender adults also face significantly higher food insecurity rates than the national average. This underscores the need for programs that provide equal access to nutritious food.
New Bethany works with local grocery stores like Wegmans, Giant and Fresh Market, as well as farm partners, like Taproot Farm, Liberty Gardens, Flint Hill Farms and Plant-A-Row Lehigh Valley, to ensure access to fresh, nutritious food. Our recent Choice Food Pantry renovation into a grocery store model allows clients to select their food, promoting dignity and self- direction. Consistent access to healthy food enhances physical health and enables individuals to thrive, both personally and socially.
As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, New Bethany remains committed to addressing the root causes of food insecurity. With the continued support of our donors, volunteers and community partners, we can ensure everyone has access to the food and services they need to lead healthy, productive lives.
