Colleagues Join Forces to Support Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth

On Tuesday, Nov. 12, more than 20 enthusiastic colleagues from Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) and Jefferson Health joined together for a volunteer day at Second Harvest Food Bank in Nazareth. Comprising nine colleagues from LVHN and 12 from Jefferson, the group spent the day sorting and packing donated food, which will be distributed to families in need across a six-county area. The effort provided Jefferson colleagues with an introduction to the Lehigh Valley community and created a valuable opportunity to get to know leaders, build relationships and collaborate across the organizations.

Imagine opening a box of food ingredients and finding your favorite spices included to bring that taste of home to your meals. That personal touch was added to Second Harvest Food Bank food boxes that were packed on Tuesday. Spices, condiments and other culturally representative ingredients, which are in high demand at area food pantries, were donated by the LVHN and Jefferson teams. These additions are intended to provide individuals with ingredients that allow them to prepare meals reflective of their traditions and preferences, reinforcing the health system’s commitment to culturally responsive care and inclusivity.

The team’s work with Second Harvest is part of a larger commitment to addressing local food insecurity. Second Harvest Food Bank’s mission centers on ending hunger in eastern Pennsylvania by collecting, storing and distributing food to those in need in the six-county service area. They provide essential support to more than 390 member agencies and distribution partners, including food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens, which rely on Second Harvest’s network to help feed local families. Second Harvest not only delivers food supplies but also works to educate the public about food insecurity and advocates for policies that support equitable access to food resources.

This meaningful day of service is the start of what the organizations hope will be an ongoing partnership to support regional food security, foster community connections and build a shared sense of purpose among LVHN and Jefferson colleagues. The experience underscored the importance of community health beyond the walls of hospitals and clinics, demonstrating that health care providers can play a vital role in supporting wellness and resilience in the communities they serve.

In recognition of Jefferson’s bicentennial milestone, the health system launched the Bicentennial Service Initiative in January, a massive volunteer effort to give back to the communities we serve. We aim to surpass our goal of 200,000 volunteer hours by the end of 2024.