BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Ideliza Colon feels it along with her family and friends: It’s harder to make ends meet with the costs of groceries, housing and fuel outpacing the cost of living.
“It’s hard,” Colon said Wednesday afternoon outside the Ideal Food Basket, a market just off Broadway in South Bethlehem.
“I see a lot of homelessness in this economy. It’s so high with the prices of rent and food. It’s a real big struggle for a lot of families out here.”
Colon, who works in the housekeeping department at Lehigh University, was among dozens of folks who cashed in vouchers at Ideal Food Basket provided by The Libre Initiative, a Latino advocacy group.
For a few hours, the conservative-leaning initiative gave shoppers grocery vouchers valued at $59.08. The parking lot was full just after 1 p.m.
The amount was symbolic and calculated to represent the amount of inflation since 2021, when the Biden administration came into office, said Jennie Dallas, strategic director for The Libre Initiative in Pennsylvania.
The national organization was founded more than 10 years ago but kicked off its Pennsylvania efforts a few months ago.
“We’re giving [people] a break from inflation today," Dallas said. "We’re not giving charity.
“We’re giving you a break from whatever we have been experiencing. Many families will tell you they’re choosing between food and gas.
"They’re choosing between rent and food, and they’re getting basic stuff. There’s some significant repercussions to the Latino community because they’re already lower-income based.”
'Able to get food on her table'
Inside, the checkout lines bustled as folks came and went from the market at 410 Montclair Ave. Those who redeemed vouchers participated in a 5- to 10-minute class held under a canopy in the parking lot that gave the basics of how inflation works.
“We know we feel it, but why is it occurring?” Dallas said. “We talk about how to be stewards of our finances and spend in the right areas.
"We have to hold our public officials accountable. We want people to become activists and use their voice — to give them a voice and have a voice.”
While the group has political ties and is affiliated with Republican mega-donor Charles Koch, there were no outward signs of political activism at the food market other than a petition that folks could sign urging Congress to rein in spending.
"She’s been going through a very hard time paying for food for rent. She’s so happy she was able to get food on the table for her and her grandkids.”Ideliza Colon, of Bethlehem
Dallas said organizers hoped to give out about 100 of the vouchers on a first-come basis. Those who received vouchers didn’t seem concerned by any political connections of the group, however veiled.
They eagerly thanked organizers and expressed gratitude as they wheeled shopping carts to their cars.
Some had tears in their eyes.
"They really appreciate it," Dallas said.
Colon came with a friend who had heard about the giveaway. The friend's grocery bill came to $59.25 — 18 cents out-of-pocket after applying the voucher.
“I really came for her because she's in need,” Colon said of her friend. “It’s been a blessing for her today. She’s been going through a very hard time paying for food for rent.
"She’s so happy she was able to get food on the table for her and her grandkids.”
