Lehigh Valley businesses team up, donating thousands of pounds of food to Second Harvest

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. — A coalition of small businesses across the Lehigh Valley joined forces in November for the “Neighbors Feeding Neighbors” food drive, collecting more than a ton of food and over $5,500 in donations for Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley & Northeast Pennsylvania.

The monthlong effort brought in 2,439 pounds of nonperishable food and $5,554 in monetary contributions. Organizers said the support arrived at a crucial moment, as many families faced heightened food insecurity when regional SNAP benefits were temporarily halted.

The drive was powered by eight participating businesses — Action Wheels Bike Shop, The Roost Yoga Studio, Apotheca Salon & Boutique, Homebase Skate Shop, Bonn Place Brewing, Paranormal Pizza, Sherman Street Beer Co. and 10th Planet Bethlehem — which served as donation sites or hosted collection events to boost turnout.

“We were blown away by how quickly the community rallied behind this effort when SNAP benefits were halted and local families’ meals were on the line,” said Scott King-Effting of Action Wheels Bike Shop. “This showed exactly what’s possible when neighbors step up together. It’s a true testament to the strength of community efforts.”

Businesses coordinated marketing efforts, shared donation updates and encouraged customers to participate throughout the month. Organizers said the results exceeded expectations and demonstrated the power of grassroots collaboration.