St. Luke’s University Health Network is showing it’s gratitude to its frontline staff through free cafeteria meals and the “Feeding the Frontlines” fundraising campaign to provide them with local restaurant gift cards.

Since late March, employees have been provided free breakfast, lunch and dinner at all SLUHN cafeterias. The meals consist of a predetermined menu and vegetarian options as well.

“We have had an overwhelming amount of positive response from staff who are very grateful to receive free meals while at work,” said Matthew Furlan, the general manager of Food Services at St. Luke’s Bethlehem.

The “Feeding the Frontlines” initiative received a sizable donation early on for the purchase of restaurant gift cards for frontline staff.

When cases of COVID-19 began to rise in the region, Larry and Amy Beans knew it meant for the staff longer hours, time away from family, and heroic dedication to their work and their patients.

They spared no time deciding how to help and donated $10,000 for the purchase of hundreds of restaurant gift cards to help the employees feed their families after a long shift.

“We’ve all been there,” said Larry Beans, owner of Maurer and Scott Sales Inc. “When you work a long and taxing day and you’re away from your family, the last thing you should have to worry about is coming home and cooking a meal.”

As local restaurants are forced to close their doors to dine-in patrons, many are relying on delivery, take-out, and the purchase of gifts cards to make it through this crisis and remain open.

To donate online, visit sluhn.org/COVID-19Support and select “Feeding the Frontlines.” Or send a check to St. Luke's University Health Network, Development Office, 801 Ostrum St., Bethlehem, PA 18015. Make it payable to St. Luke's University Health Network, indicate “Feeding the Frontlines” on it.

Visit the website or email feedingthefrontlines@sluhn.org for information on food donations.