Since 2012, we have had the opportunity to partner with William Penn Elementary school through the Backpack Buddies Program. This program provides meals and snacks on weekends for students who would otherwise be identified as food deprived. Additionally, the students and their families are supported throughout the year with holiday meals, a summer food pantry and other healthy & fun activities.
Want to know more about how the Backpack Buddies partnership works? Check out this video that tells the story of how we got started!
Suggested Food Donations
If you would like to partner with us, here is a list of suggested food items that are always in need. Donations can be dropped off at NC4 Bethlehem on Sunday mornings. There is a shopping cart in the lobby for this purpose. Items can also be dropped off at the main church office Mon-Fri between normal business hours.
Breakfast
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Powdered Milk
- Shelf-stable milk
Lunch
- Canned tuna
- Canned chicken
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Mayonnaise
Dinner
- Canned chili
- Boxed Pasta
- Tomato sauce
- Mac and cheese
- Bag of rice
- Chickpeas
- Refried beans
- Canned veggies
Snacks
- Crackers
- Cereal bars
- Granola bars
- Fruit cups
- Applesauce
Things to Remember
The backpacks are small and are carried by children. So, keep these things in mind when selecting what items to donate:
- Regular sized boxes of cereal (no jumbo, family-sized boxes)
- Small jars of peanut butter
- No glass containers
- No expired food
Join the Team!
If you have a heart for this program and feeding the local community, consider joining the Backpack Buddies team. It’s easy to do and makes a big impact. Once you sign up, you’ll receive occasional text and email alerts when the pantry supplies are running low or there are special items needed.
Text BUDDY to 610.816.6062
Tip Of The Week
Diane shares weekly tips about the best kind of items for the backbacks. Her handy suggestions will help you while you are shopping for items to donate.