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PPL Foundation donates $100,000 to help keep food pantries stocked, amid food insecurity concerns

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/04 .. tries-stocked-amid-food-insecurity-concerns.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 14:00 GMT by WFMZ-TV

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PPL Foundation Pledges $100,000 to Strengthen Lehigh Valley Food Pantries Amid Rising Food Insecurity

The Lehigh Valley Foundation of Pennsylvania Power & Light (PPL) has announced a $100,000 contribution to bolster food pantries throughout the region, a move that comes as local food insecurity rates have climbed in the wake of economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions. The donation will help keep shelves stocked with essential groceries, enabling pantries to serve families that rely on them for weekly staples and emergency supplies.

A Targeted Response to Community Needs

According to the Lehigh Valley Food Bank, a $100,000 infusion will allow the organization to purchase a variety of items—including canned goods, fresh produce, dairy products, and pantry staples—ensuring that at least 20,000 families can receive regular assistance. The Food Bank’s director, Maryann Schmitt, stated that “the donation will significantly reduce gaps in inventory, particularly for perishable items that require careful handling and timely distribution.” The contribution is part of a broader partnership in which the PPL Foundation partners with local nonprofits to create a network of resources for those facing economic hardship.

“Food insecurity remains a pressing concern in our community,” Schmitt added. “During the past year, the Food Bank has seen a 12 percent increase in the number of households seeking assistance, largely driven by inflation and a tightening job market. Our collaboration with PPL Foundation helps us meet that demand more effectively.”

PPL Foundation’s Commitment to Community Well‑Being

The PPL Foundation, established in 2011, has historically supported a wide range of community initiatives, from educational scholarships to environmental stewardship. The Foundation’s latest pledge underscores its long‑standing commitment to social welfare and underscores the importance of corporate philanthropy in addressing systemic challenges.

John Martinez, Director of Community Relations for the PPL Foundation, emphasized that the donation is “a strategic investment in the health and resilience of our region.” Martinez noted that PPL Foundation’s contributions often complement those from local donors and grantmakers, creating a multiplier effect that expands the reach of food assistance programs.

“In a time when many families are feeling the pinch of rising prices, we are proud to provide a safety net that ensures no child in the Lehigh Valley goes hungry,” Martinez said. “We are committed to continuing our partnership with the Food Bank and other local agencies as we strive to reduce hunger across the region.”

The Broader Context of Hunger in the Lehigh Valley

The Lehigh Valley, encompassing Northampton, Monroe, and Lehigh counties, has experienced a rise in food insecurity. Recent studies from Feeding America’s Pennsylvania Hunger Snapshot indicate that nearly 1 in 5 residents in the area have limited or uncertain access to nutritious food. The pandemic amplified these trends, causing many households to experience temporary or chronic financial hardship.

According to the Food Bank’s 2024 annual report, it currently serves more than 2 million people annually, delivering over 25 million pounds of food through more than 600 partner pantries and distribution points. The PPL Foundation’s grant is aimed at sustaining this high level of service during a period of increased demand.

How the Funds Will Be Used

The Foundation’s grant will be earmarked for the procurement of food items and the operational costs associated with distribution. This includes:

• Staple Foods: Canned beans, rice, pasta, and cereals.
• Fresh Produce: Apples, oranges, carrots, and leafy greens.
• Protein Sources: Canned tuna, chicken, and eggs.
• Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt.
• Special Items: Baby formula and high‑calorie supplements for vulnerable populations.

In addition to food, the grant will support the purchase of packaging and shipping materials that ensure items are delivered safely and efficiently.

Local and National Partnerships

The Lehigh Valley Food Bank collaborates closely with a network of local partners, including churches, schools, and community centers, to provide food assistance. The PPL Foundation’s contribution is part of a larger national effort that sees corporations stepping up to address hunger. Feeding America’s national program, which includes a $200 million “Food System Resilience” initiative, has highlighted the importance of regional contributions to national food security.

Moreover, the Foundation’s donation aligns with its broader sustainability agenda, which includes reducing food waste through partnerships with local farms and grocery retailers. By channeling surplus produce into pantry programs, the Foundation is also helping to minimize environmental impact.

Community Voices on the Impact

Lehigh Valley resident and mother of three, Angela Ruiz, described how food pantries have helped her family during a financially strained period. “We were struggling to make ends meet, and the pantry was a lifeline,” Ruiz said. “Having reliable access to groceries means we can keep the family healthy and focused on other priorities, like paying rent and sending our kids to school.”

Similarly, a local bakery owner, Kevin Thompson, who has partnered with the Food Bank to donate excess bread, praised the Foundation’s support. “When the bakery overproduces, we need to find a way to get that bread to those who need it. The PPL Foundation’s grant gives us the resources to store, package, and distribute those goods without compromising quality.”

Looking Ahead

While the PPL Foundation’s $100,000 donation represents a significant boost to the region’s food assistance network, leaders in the community recognize that the challenge of hunger requires sustained effort. The Food Bank’s executive director, Schmitt, emphasized the need for ongoing funding and community engagement.

“We are grateful for the PPL Foundation’s generosity,” Schmitt said. “But we also need to continue building partnerships and securing additional resources to meet the ongoing demands of our neighbors.”

As the Lehigh Valley community continues to navigate economic uncertainties, the PPL Foundation’s investment serves as a reminder that collaborative action can alleviate immediate needs while fostering long‑term resilience.

For more information on how to support local food pantries, visitors can explore the Lehigh Valley Food Bank’s website at [ lvvfb.org ] and learn about volunteer opportunities, donation options, and partnership programs. The PPL Foundation’s community initiatives are detailed on their website at [ ppl.com/ca/partner/foundation ].