Critical Support Fund Provides Rapid Relief for Families and Food Providers Across the Region
More than 75 donors commit $600,000 as coordinated support strengthens food providers and expands access to essential items
Allentown, PA, November 18, 2025 – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) announced early impact from the Critical Support Fund, which launched on October 30 to address rising needs for food and emergency services. More than 75 businesses, organizations and individual donors have contributed more than $600,000, allowing partners to take swift action to support families and food providers.
Earlier today, United Way and LVCF held a press conference in partnership with Community Action Lehigh Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania to share updates on the community effort.
“When people in our community need help, the Greater Lehigh Valley shows up. We want to thank each and every person and organization who have supported the fund to provide rapid relief to the families and food providers. Your resources have been immediately put into action to get food on shelves and tables all across Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon and even Monroe counties,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
Bulk orders of produce, dry goods, rice, beans and other shelf stable items have been placed through Second Harvest Food Bank and are being distributed to more than 100 food pantries across Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe counties. Additional orders of beef, turkey and chicken are being secured through local farmers and regional suppliers to help meet the need for proteins.
“The strength of the Lehigh Valley is demonstrated in how we come together. Thanks to the remarkable generosity of our donors and the dedication of our food provider network, the Critical Support Fund is delivering rapid relief to families across the region,” said LVCF President and CEO Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP ®. “The Community Foundation is proud to work alongside United Way and our community partners to ensure these essential resources reach those in need—and to strengthen the safety net that so many depend on.”
“Community Action Lehigh Valley is deeply grateful to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Lehigh Valley Community Foundation for their partnership in establishing the Critical Support Fund. As families across our region face increased food insecurity due to reductions in SNAP benefits, among other emergency issues, this collaborative effort ensures that we can respond swiftly and compassionately. Together, we are providing a lifeline for our neighbors and reaffirming our shared commitment to a community where everyone has access to the basic resources they need to thrive.” said Dawn Godshall, Chief Executive Officer, Community Action Lehigh Valley.
Partners are coordinating efforts by scheduling a pantry network meeting with Second Harvest, connecting volunteer needs through the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley and providing a train-the-trainer session with Valley Health Partners to help pantry staff support residents who receive SNAP benefits.
The Critical Support Fund was created to meet immediate needs, beginning with food, while remaining flexible to provide other emergency and crisis supports as they arise. In the future, funds may be used to provide baby-mother essentials, energy assistance, emergency shelter and winter warming stations.
United Way and LVCF will continue working with partners to assess needs and ensure relief reaches families and providers efficiently and effectively.
For more information about the Critical Support Fund, please contact Erin Connelly at United Way at erinco@unitedwayglv.org or Erika Riddle Petrozelli aterika@lvcfoundation.org at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.
See photos and video on LVCF’s Flickr page
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