Along with our popular and productive Plant a Row program, which provides seasonal fruits and vegetables to our Community Food Pantry and Kosher Food Pantry clients, we are launching and maintaining programs and partnerships this summer that will bring our community together to help those in need and older adults in facilities.

The Monocacy Farm Project in Bethlehem, our longtime community partner in providing fresh produce, will be hosting campers from Camp JCC on July 9 and August 6 for fun and learning. Project Manager Bob Drake will teach the children about bees and the campers also will have the opportunity to harvest produce for the food pantries. Albert Derby, one of our committed volunteers, will deliver the food to our building.

We will also be continuing a partnership program that began last year with Camp JCC. Campers will create holiday cards and door decorations for older adults living in residential facilities. These items help older adults feel connected to the Jewish community and serve as a reminder that we have not forgotten them. Camp JCC is also designating a “Pantry Item of the Week” to donate for the benefit of food pantry clients.

In addition, we will continue our relationships with Wawa, Weis Markets and Wegmans, who also donate produce and other food items to the pantry.

We’d love for our local Jewish community to join in on our projects helping people in need this summer! If you are interested in donating homegrown or store-bought produce to our Community Food Pantry, items may be dropped off at our office during regular business hours or at the front desk of the JCC.