Shari's Update - 8/24/2023

Upcoming September WCHI events to put on your calendars along with good food info at the end of this article.

FREE COMMUNITY MEALS - WCHI, the faith-based community, and others are proud to provide these FREE, hot, sit-down meals to low-income Whitehall-Coplay residents twice a month.  All are welcome to attend both meals on the 1st Sunday and 3rd Tuesday each month from 4-6pm.  Please attend and bring your family and friends.  These meals are delicious!!
Sunday, Sept 3rd - Muslim Association of the LV (MALV), 1988 Schadt Ave, Whitehall 703-346-8698
Tuesday, Sept 19th – Whitehall Active Community Center, 2301 Pine St, Whitehall 610-533-1357
Questions about hosting a meal for 2024 or a guest wanting more info, please contact Karen Haberern, Program Chair at 610-730-3184.

BINGO – Sunday, Sept 10th Doors open at 1 and bingo starts at 2 pm at St Peter Roman Catholic Church, 4 S 5th St Coplay.  Jackpot is $200. Play 15 Board games and 5 paper specials.  BYO chips and dabbers. Food is available for purchase. All proceeds benefit WCHI. Please bring a food item for our Panty.  Any kind of canned soup would be great!!  For more info, contact Liz Rogers, Bingo Chair at 484-274-6687

FREE CLASSES “LEARN TO EAT HEALTHY ON A BUDGET” – Sign-Up now for these classes with Julie Davitt, Nutrition Education Adviser, at Penn State Extension, Allentown 484-857-2736 or jbd14@psu.edu  Julie will teach the classes in partnership with WCHI in the white building behind our Pantry at 3024 S Ruch St, Whitehall.  Classes run October 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th from 10am- Noon. 

Topics include-Delicious Recipes; Smart Shopping; Meal Planning and Preparation; Food Safety; and Nutrition.   Learn more at www.extension.psu.edu/nutrition-links   Upon class completion, each participant will receive kitchen tools and a certificate of completion.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR THIS PROGRAM? Parent or caregiver of children who qualify for free or reduced school lunch or WIC.  Adults who qualify for SNAP, food pantry boxes/bags, and Pennsylvania farmers market vouchers.

12 Simple Ways to Increase Fruits, Vegetables and Beans/Legumes at Meals from FeedingPA.org 

1. Use canned vegetables including tomatoes, beans, mushrooms, or beets and add into your favorite dishes.
   
2. Take convenience items (such as soups or frozen meals) and add in additional vegetables to boost the nutrition.
   
3. Replace half your meat with beans. Use black beans, kidney beans or lentils instead of beef or other ground meat. Use chickpeas or navy/white beans instead of chicken.
   
4. Add veggies to your eggs at breakfast.
   
5. Add fruit to your hot or cold cereal.
   
6. Create smoothies with fruits and veggies.
   
7. Use a dip (plain Greek yogurt can be savory or sweet!) to encourage fruits and veggies as snacks for young children.
   
8. Make pizzas using whole grain English muffins or pita bread. Add sauce, cheese, and cut up veggies for toppings.
   
9. Sauté onions and peppers and add to almost any casserole dish.
   
10. Add veggies such as onions, carrots, tomatoes, and spinach to your pasta sauce.
    
11. Make a stir fry with your vegetables.
    
12. Add veggies like tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, and cucumbers to your sandwich and replace mayonnaise with hummus or avocado
    

Needed Pantry items: Any kind of canned fruit, canned soups, canned low salt mixed vegetables, and any kind of pasta.
Please deliver to my RE/MAX Unlimited office, 1080 Schadt Ave, Whitehall Monday-Friday 9am to 5 pm. 

I hope you found this week’s article informative and interesting.  Have a great week!!

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