Roughly 97,000 residents across Lehigh and Northampton counties rely on SNAP food benefits. Those benefits were set to expire this weekend, until a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to use contingency funds.
However, a number of СŷƵ businesses have stepped up to help those in need, and residents can help as well.
Retail Watch is dedicating this week’s column to businesses that are launching food drives or offering free meals to those in need. Know of more? Email us at retailwatch@mcall.com.
On behalf of New Bethany’s , the will accept donations 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at 26 E. Third St. in Bethlehem.
Recommended donations include nonperishable foods in secure containers, cans or jars such as sauces, soups, beans, vegetables, honey, peanut butter, candy, juices, coconut cream and fish in oil.
“Food is a human right and is an immediate and tangible way to help someone,” the roastery said online. “Every donation of food helps.”
The Farm & Table will offer 3:30-7 p.m. on Sunday at 119 S. Main St. in Nazareth.
“This is not political and has no strings attached — it’s simply our way of giving back, especially to those who may be struggling or waiting on benefits to come through,” it said online. “Everyone deserves a warm meal and a place to feel welcome. Just walk in, sit down, and enjoy a meal on us. No questions, no forms — just good food, good people, and community.”
Mercatino Italiano is letting customers purchase ” vouchers at its market at 220 N. West End Blvd. in Richland Township.
Priced at $10, $20 and $25, the popular Italian market will use the money from those vouchers to provide free or discounted meals for people impacted by the SNAP benefits expiration or government shutdown.
To support the Quakertown Food Pantry, a truck will also collect non-perishable foods 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 15 .
Easton City Council Member Crystal Rose will hold a food drive 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Easton Farmers Market at Scott Park in Easton, a news release announced.
A collection tent near the Larry Holmes statue will accept donations such as fresh produce, nonperishable foods and grocery store gift cards. Residents can also purchase market tokens that will go toward those in need.
“This drive is about neighbors helping neighbors,” Rose said in the release, thanking Council Member Frank Pintabone for his support. “We’re proud to bring the community together in such a meaningful way.”
Karlton Cafe, located at , started a to help provide free meals to those experiencing food insecurity. It’s offering free meals to those who receive SNAP benefits.
“If you have an active SNAP card, please place it along with a matching ID inside the checkbook at checkout — no questions, no discussion, no judgment,” the cafe said online. “Everyone deserves a good meal and a little kindness. Let’s take care of one another, Quakertown. All we ask is that those who can support us, do. Small businesses like ours — and many others — have been struggling for some time. Your support, kindness, and continued visits truly keep us going.”
Belleville Market will host from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 8 at 20 S. Third St. in Easton. Donations of nonperishable food will go to the nonprofit at 330 Ferry St.
Throughout the rest of the year, customers can also round up their purchases to donate money to the nonprofit.
Keystone Running Store is collecting for local food banks for the rest of the year at 1042 Millcreek Road in Lower Macungie Township, co-owner Chris Schmidt said.
It will also host a “Turkey Trot” at 9 a.m. Nov. 16, starting at Macungie Memorial Park in Macungie, where participants can carry a frozen turkey for a mile before donating it.
Anyone who can’t participate in the Trot can drop off donations a week prior at the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach office at 3261 Route 100, Suite 100, in Lower Macungie Township.
Members 1st Federal Credit Union will donate $2,500 to Second Harvest Food Bank, a news release announced.
“When SNAP benefits are delayed, children, families, seniors and veterans may not know where their next meal will come from,” Sara Firestone, the vice president of community and public relations at Members 1st, said in the release. “By supporting these local food banks, we are helping make sure everyone in our communities has their basic needs met.”
Need help, or want to donate? Use your ZIP code at for other local food pantry sources such as Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank in Allentown and West Bethlehem Food Bank in Bethlehem.
СŷƵ retail and restaurant news in brief
Paranormal Pizza reopened last Saturday at 125 E. Third St. in Bethlehem, following a fire that forced the restaurant to close in 2023.
Pickleball Kingdom will open a new pickleball facility Nov. 22 at the Whitehall Square shopping center at 2180 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township.
The fried chicken restaurant Equis Pica Pollo opened last Saturday at 513 N. Seventh St. in Allentown, .
The Adagio seafood restaurant will close in January at 530 Pembroke Road in Bethlehem after a decade of operation. The property will turn into a wellness center and meeting space for Bethlehem police officers.
Bang Bang Hibachi Grill & Sushi reopened last Sunday at 6900 Hamilton Blvd. in Lower Macungie Township, , after a car hit the restaurant in August.
Marco’s Pizza opened Monday at 2588 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township, where it serves pizza, sandwiches, salads, wings and desserts.
Sunglass Hut opened at Promenade Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township, , offering luxury and sports sunglasses between Bath & Body Works and American Eagle. Founded in 1971, the chain also has a store at the СŷƵ Mall in Whitehall Township.
In other news
James Schmoyer, founder of Ice Cream World at 3512 Hamilton Blvd. in South Whitehall Township, died peacefully last Sunday, leading hundreds of people to express their condolences online.
Zonia Sibri-Quinde finalized her purchase of the popular ٲ’s restaurant on Tuesday at 1826 Hanover Ave. in Allentown, nearly 60 years after it opened.
Retail Watch is a weekly column covering retail and restaurant news in the СŷƵ. Have a question, tip, or want to see something in the area? Contact retail reporter Graysen Golter at retailwatch@mcall.com.
