AAEFB 40th Year Celebration

On October 4^th 2018, the Allentown Ecumenical Food Bank celebrated its 40^th year of service dedicated to serving the needy people of the Lehigh Valley regardless of race, creed or faith. 

The initial food bank was set up in the basement of St John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Allentown.  It was started by a group of minister in the Allentown area who recognized the need for such a humanitarian service.  The demand became so great that the AAEFB was relocated to its current location at Alliance Hall on the corner of 6^th & Chew Streets, Allentown.  It is the only food bank that is open 5 days a week from 9:30AM until 11:45AM.

The food bank continues to serve over 20,000 individuals each year.  Each visit provides our clients with enough groceries for short term relief.  The majority of the food bank’s supply of food comes from The Second Harvest Food Bank.  Additionally, we receive substantial food and monetary donations from individuals, area churches, businesses, scout groups, benevolent organizations and charitable trusts. 

The daily operations of the food bank is supported by faithful volunteers from over 30 churches.  The unpaid Board of Directors maintains control of all finances and oversees the operation of the food bank with regard to its by-laws.

On behalf of the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank, the Board of Directors would like to express its sincere gratitude to all the volunteers and organizations who give so freely of their time, energy and assets to allow us to continue our mission to provide relief to the hungry in the Lehigh County.

Senior Nutrition

A recent study done by the National Council for Aging Care revealed that nearly one in every six seniors in America faces the threat of hunger and not being properly nourished. This applies to those who aren’t sure where their next meal is coming from and those who don’t have access to the healthiest possible food options. The issue is severe enough that the AARP reports that seniors face a healthcare bill of more than $130 billion every year due to medical issues stemming from senior hunger.

For the full story please go here: http://www.aginginplace.org/the-facts-behind-senior-hunger

Rodale Institute, The Seed Farm Provide Organic Produce for Food Bank Clients

Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank clients have been enjoying healthier, organic produce this fall and will continue to do so throughout the winter thanks to the efforts of prominent community organizations and dedicated volunteers.

Both the Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pa., and The Seed Farm in Emmaus, Pa., have been providing produce to the food bank since October. The Rodale Institute’s produce is provided through its Agriculture Supported Communities (ASC) program. ASC Program Manager Cynthia James said that there will be enough supply to support the Allentown Food Bank through the winter months. Local nutrition consultant Stephanie August also has been helping the food bank offer healthier items for its clients.

“We deeply appreciate this donation of nutrient-dense food that not only feeds people, but nourishes them,” said Beverly Levenson, President of the Food Bank’s Board of Directors. “Our consumers enjoy receiving fresh produce, and our partnership with the Rodale Institute, The Seed Farm, and others will provide ample benefit for the people we serve.”

The food bank’s board also would like to thank Amy Cook, Program Coordinator for The Seed Farm; Lindsay Parks, Executive Director for The Seed Farm; Brooke Kohler, Co-chair of The Seed Farm; and all the volunteers of the farm’s Food Recovery and Respect working group.

Image Courtesies: Rodale Institute and Stephanie August
 

Allentown Food Bank Grieves the Loss of Board President Dennis Zehner

The Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank mourns the passing of its Board President, Dennis W. Zehner, Sr., on Oct. 1, 2016.

Zehner served as the food bank’s Warehouse Supervisor for several years, and was elected its Board President in 2014. While he was an intensely private man, those who knew him understood that he had a deep and powerful love of humanity and a passion for giving to others.

“Dennis touched many lives, especially those at the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank, where he was beloved, and he will be surely missed,” said Beverly Levenson, who succeeds Zehner as the food bank’s Board President. “It was here where his dedication to those less fortunate was passionately displayed every day.”

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Croydon, Pa., Zehner was a volunteer firefighter for the Croydon Fire Company #1 for eight years, holding several offices before relocating to Allentown, Pa. He further pursued his passion when he became a City of Allentown firefighter and served on the force for three years. He went on to work in the trucking industry working for 20 years for several transportation companies as a dispatcher, distribution manager, and general manager.

His leisure activities included rooting for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles, reading, completing crossword puzzles, and visiting different baseball stadiums with his son, Dennis, Jr.

Zehner’s family has asked that contributions in his memory be made to the food bank. Contributions can be sent to the food bank at 245 North Sixth St., Allentown, PA 18102, or made on the web at AllentownFoodBank.org.
 

Allentown Food Bank Mourns Passing of Former Board President

The Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank mourns the passing of Richard Keim, Ph.D., former President of its Board of Directors, who passed away on June 20 the Phoebe Home in Allentown.

Keim served on the food bank’s board for more than 20 years, and served as the board’s chairman from 2004-2014. His community service also included tenures as a member and President of the Emmaus Borough Council and as the borough’s acting Mayor.

Keim worked as an educator in the East Penn School District before becoming a faculty member and psychologist at Kutztown University.

Keim will be missed by everyone at the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank whose lives were touched by his dedication to the less-fortunate families and children of the Lehigh Valley, said Dennis W. Zehner, Sr., current President of the food bank’s Board of Directors.
 

Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank Issues Urgent Call for Donations with New Website

The Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank – the only food bank that serves Pennsylvania’s third largest city five days a week – issued an urgent call for financial donations as it introduced its new website at AllentownFoodBank.org.

Officials from the food bank say that a combination of rising costs, decreases in contributions, and the protracted Pennsylvania state budget standoff have forced the bank to spend an “alarming” amount of its funds and could potentially put its future in jeopardy.
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