The Muscle Behind Lehigh in Action

Fulfill NJ was formerly known as The FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties and continues its mission, which goes beyond providing food and helps those in need get to a place where they can get back on their feet for good. Fulfill provides a full suite of programs to provide the resources people need to become self-sufficient.

Romanowski organized a group of 15 volunteers for Lehigh in Action who packed large food boxes for 275 families to pick up. The boxes included items like rice, water, cereal, shelf-stable milk, shelf-stable canned goods, pasta, peanut butter, and more.

Romanowski noted the positive experience the group had with Fulfill, a straightforward opportunity to make a big difference. “Fulfill made it very easy for first-time guests to get right to work with little assistance or training. I'm always struck by the number of people, even in a fairly affluent area, who are unable to afford their own basic, family food needs without assistance. It is great to be able to help support those often overlooked families in the area.”

Camel’s Hump Farm is a 300-year-old farm located on the historic Archibald Johnston Estate. Through Lehigh in Action, Williams invited fellow alumni and their families to get their hands dirty to contribute to this 47-acre nature education center and community garden.

“There were 13 adults and 1 child,” explains Williams. “Our goal for the day was to rescue several fruit trees from weeds, cover the roots of the trees with mulch, and place cages around the trees. The farm has goats, and we had fun petting the goats. It was a great day overall, and we are grateful for the wonderful opportunity. The farm was very appreciative of our time and all we accomplished on that day.”

The East Village Neighbors Community Fridge helps combat hunger and food waste by providing a place for people to donate or access fresh food. It accepts prepared food, raw/fresh food, pantry items, pet food, and personal care items. Through Lehigh in Action, Meyer recruited help to fill the fridge. “Community fridges facilitate donations and food rescue while also connecting local residents,” says Meyer.

“They require donations to be healthy, and community members can take from the fridge, no questions asked.” says Brittany Erdman, director of regional engagement, Development and Alumni Relations. “This is a really nice, easy way to give back to the community and fight hunger in NYC.”

In partnership with The Van Dyk Group on Long Beach Island, Martin hosted a beach clean-up event on May 4. Members of the Lehigh community and local residents joined hands in preserving the beauty of LBI’s shorelines ahead of the summer season.

“We filled two large garbage bags with trash found on LBI,” says Martin. “Not only was it great to do something meaningful for the environment, but also was so good to meet and catch up with Lehigh alums, friends, and new-found friends. It was a fantastic day and I look forward to hosting Lehigh in Action events in the future!”

In collaboration with the SouthSide Arts District, Marshall organized a group of Association of Student Alumni (ASA) members and Development & Alumni Relations staff to clean up the greenway adjacent to Lehigh’s campus. The new alumnus recognized that his project selection held great significance, allowing members of the Lehigh community to improve Bethlehem within the space that Lehigh University shares with other city residents.

“When the idea of Lehigh in Action was first pitched to me, I immediately supported the initiative, [recognizing] an opportunity for members of the Lehigh community to have lasting impacts on their respective communities,” says Marshall. “Initiatives like this not only gather the Lehigh community together, they also allow for meaningful collaboration with residents and outside communities, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and pride in our environment.”