Feed A Friend campaign opens Monroe County donation sites

Monroe County residents can help stock local food pantries before Thanksgiving through WNEP's Feed A Friend campaign, which launched Monday, Nov. 2, and runs through Monday, Nov. 23.

The annual drive, first reported by WNEP, collects food and monetary donations for pantries across northeastern and central Pennsylvania. Two Monroe County sites are participating: the Pocono Mountains Hunger Coalition and ShopRite of Mt. Pocono.

Joe Snedeker, WNEP morning meteorologist and Feed A Friend campaign chairman, leads the effort. The campaign asks donors to make checks payable directly to the agency of their choice, not to WNEP or Feed A Friend.

How to give locally

The Pocono Mountains Hunger Coalition accepts donations by mail and online. Checks go to Top of the Mountain Ecumenical Network at Five Loaf House-Food Pantry, 133 Firehouse Road, Pocono Pines, PA 18350. Chuck Laurence, the coalition's director, can be reached at (570) 646-7456. Online donations are accepted through the CHOP Out Hunger website.

The Five Loaf House pantry serves residents of Coolbaugh, Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock townships, according to the Eastern Monroe Public Library's food assistance directory.

Shoppers can also drop off donations at ShopRite of Mt. Pocono, located at 3430 PA 940, Suite 102, Mt. Pocono, PA 18344. The store's phone number is 570-839-3885.

Other pantries serving the Stroudsburg area

The library's directory lists additional pantries in Monroe County. Several serve communities near Stroudsburg, though hours and eligibility vary:

Salvation Army, 226 Washington St., East Stroudsburg: fourth Thursday of the month, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointment required two weeks in advance. Serves residents of Smithfield and Stroud townships, East Stroudsburg, Stroudsburg, Delaware Water Gap and parts of Pocono Township. Call 570-421-3050, ext. 116.
Greater Shiloh Church, 831 B Ann St., Stroudsburg: second Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. No ID required. Call 570-872-9577.
Feeding Families Ministry, 354 Memorial Blvd., Tobyhanna: Thursdays and Fridays, 1 to 3 p.m. (closed the second week of each month). PA ID required. Income guidelines apply. Call 570-977-3702.
Everybody Eats Project, 804 Sarah St., Suite 308, Stroudsburg: call 570-234-3200 or the hotline at 570-223-4503 for an appointment. Offers emergency food assistance. Food delivery may be available for homebound individuals.