As prices continue to skyrocket all across the board, perhaps at no time have local food banks/pantries ever been in more demand.

Fortunately, there are many area food pantries available to meet the needs of the families who rely on them.

The Palmerton Food Pantry is housed at St. John’s Lutheran Church along Fireline Road in Palmerton.

It is sponsored by the Christian Action Council of Palmerton Area Churches.

Susie Arner, co-director, Palmerton Food Pantry, explained how they are faring.

“With the support of our local churches and the community we are doing fine,” Arner said. “Sure extra help is always needed, whether that be monetary or physical help of volunteers.”

Arner said the food pantry has seen a rise in the number of people needing services.

“We have seen an increase over the last three to six months of approximately 30% more families needing assistance,” she said. “The cost of everything has brought more people to need our services as they budget their money to meet family needs.”

Arner said that while they have gotten some donations, more are always welcome.

“We receive many donations, especially at this time of holidays, but certainly hope for and welcome donations through the year,” she said. “Please, though, before donating items make sure they are of a good date.”

Arner noted that local food pantries do require a registration form to be completed, and a self-declaration of income.

“People are encouraged to go to the pantry in their school district, and not jump around from one pantry to another,” she said. “If they are unsure where their pantry is located in Carbon County, they should call Shepherd House and ask.”

In 2024, Arner said the food pantry will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 13 and 26, Feb. 10 and 23, March 9 and 22, April 13 and 26, May 11 and 24, June 8 and 28, July 13 and 26, Aug. 10 and 23, Sept. 14 and 27, Oct. 12 and 25, Nov. 9 and 22, and Dec. 20.

Arner encouraged people to watch Facebook for announcements about the food pantry’s new website starting in the new year.

Cash donations may be sent to CACPAC, P.O. Box 213, Aquashicola, PA, 18012.

Northern Lehigh

It’s just as busy at the Northern Lehigh Food Bank in Emerald.

Barbara Scheirer, director, said the group serves low-income families in the Northern Lehigh School District based on income levels.

Scheirer said there are indeed more people needing services.

“We’re definitely seeing a substantial increase in families; it’s been steadily increasing the past few months,” Scheirer said. “Definitely the highest since I’ve been there (three years in April).”

Scheirer added that the group is getting enough donations, but could always use more.

“I must say the community is very generous,” she said. “When we put out a list of our needs, we have a good response.

“We can always use more.”

The food bank’s distribution days are from 4-6 p.m. the first three Thursdays of the month; 1-3 p.m. the second Monday of the month; and 9:30-11 a.m. the last Saturday of the month.

For more information, contact 610-767-9525. New clients are being accepted.

Trinity Food Pantry

Things are much the same at Trinity Food Pantry in Lehighton.

Carolyn Long, coordinator, said they serve families in the Lehighton Area School District only, and added there are guidelines they must abide by.

“We are holding on,” Long said. “We have made a few adjustments due to the cost of food and the number of families we serve. We distribute food to our clients by the number of persons in their household. We consider the members in the family, such as children and distribute food accordingly.”

Long added there has been a rise in the number of families served.

“We definitely are serving more families than earlier this year,” she said. “Also, we are serving many more larger families.”

While they do receive support, Long said the pantry could always use more.

“We appreciate and are thankful for all the donations we receive,” she said. “We have support from individuals, many organizations, churches, schools, many groups, etc., and many kind people in our Lehighton area. We, at Trinity Food Pantry do our best to make our clients’ visit as pleasant as possible.

“We are trying to give the Holiday (Christmas) Joy to all of our clients,” she said. “There are so many people who have no family close by, and for those who are alone.”

Regular distributions are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, and 5:30-7 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. For more information, contact Trinity Lutheran Church, 610-377-4303, or on Facebook (Trinity Lutheran Church, Lehighton).