our story
Parkland CARES Food Pantry was established in 2018 by a dedicated group of individuals focused on addressing hunger in their community. With nearly 27% of children and families in Parkland facing food insecurity at that time, the vision for Parkland CARES became a reality.
In June 2019, the Pantry opened its doors for the first time, serving 12 families. Twice a month, families were invited to “shop” for the items that best met their needs, greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries, along with friendly faces. They were provided with non-perishable goods, milk, cheese, meats, and fresh produce. By December 2019, the Pantry had served over 100 households.
The landscape changed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Parkland CARES quickly adapted, transitioning from a Choice Pantry model to a contactless drive-through distribution at Kernsville Elementary, serving families once a month. In October 2023, distributions moved to Springhouse Middle School, where they remained until February 2025. During these distributions, families received non-perishable foods, fresh produce, eggs, meat, and other donated items.
In March 2025, Parkland CARES opened the doors to their new Choice Pantry, inviting families back inside to “shop” for the food they needed.
In addition to serving the broader community, Parkland CARES is committed to supporting students in the Parkland School District. Beginning in 2019, monthly Snack Packs were delivered to a few elementary schools. By 2022, this program expanded to all 9 elementary schools, both middle schools, and the high school, with over 325 students now receiving Snack Packs twice a month.
Parkland CARES is proud to serve the community alongside its dedicated board, volunteers, and the businesses and organizations that help ensure no child, family, or individual goes hungry, regardless of the circumstances.
meet the parkland CARES Food pantry team
Katrina Sundstrom
Executive Director — Parkland CARES Food Pantry
Katrina has served as the Executive Director of the Parkland CARES Food Pantry since its inception in 2018. Her passion for helping those in need began in her early years working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Rich, since 2000. They share two beautiful children who have attended school in Parkland. Katrina is a member of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and a Paul Harris Fellow Award recipient for her contributions to the Rotary Club of Allentown West.
As a proud Co-Founder of Parkland CARES, she remains committed to fighting hunger within her community.
Candace young
Board President — New leaf Consulting, LLC — Owner
Candace Young has been President of the Board since June 2022 and a Board Member since 2019. She is the Owner of New Leaf Consulting, LLC, which assists nonprofits and organizations in measuring reach and impact, writing grants, and sharing outcomes. She has over 25 years of experience in program development, research, and evaluation in nonprofit, government, philanthropic and academic sectors. Prior to launching New Leaf Consulting in 2019, Candace held leadership positions with The Food Trust, a food access nonprofit in Philadelphia (2008-2019) and the New York City Health Department (2001-2007). She has a Master’s Degree in Community Nutrition and Program Evaluation from Cornell University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Moravian College. She helps coach Parkland High School Girls Tennis and lives in the Parkland community with her husband and two children.
I volunteer at Parkland CARES because… I am passionate about thinking globally and acting locally to promote nutrition security for all.
Al Haddad
Vice President — Morgan Stanley — Wealth Advisor, Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager
Al has worked at Morgan Stanley his entire career, now spanning 40 years. Married to Jeanne for 42 years, he has three children and four grandchildren. Besides work, Al has played and coached in the Parkland Community for over 33 years. Currently the head coach of the Parkland HS Girls Soccer, Al has used his charitable nature to foster the team’s amazing charitable giving over the past 15 years.
I volunteer with Parkland CARES because once I became truly aware of the food insecurity in our very own community, I couldn’t sit by and not be involved. It’s not about if we can help our community but rather how.
Richard Sundstrom
Treasurer — State Farm Insurance — Sales Leader
Rich is the Sales Leader for State Farm Insurance in the Lehigh Valley. In this role, he works to recruit, appoint and develop new agents and support the existing 48 agencies in the area that he is assigned. He and his wife Katrina are proud parents to two children, Sydni and A.J., both of whom were students in the Parkland School District. Rich is committed to community service and is passionate about supporting the Parkland CARES Food Pantry as its Treasurer. He believes that no family should ever face the fear of not having enough food and strongly advocates for families to gain access to the resources they need.
I volunteer with Parkland CARES because it’s a great way to give back to others and ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.
Dr. Michelle Minotti
Secretary — Parkland School District — Assistant Superintendent
Michelle is the Assistant Superintendent in the Parkland School District. She and her husband, Bob, have three daughters. Michelle is an adjunct professor at Lehigh University, Delaware Valley University, and Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit. She is a Challenge 5 United Way committee member, working with the Parent Engagement Group. Michelle published her doctoral research on family engagement and community connections. She has established and supported programs such as Parkland’s REACH (Resources Enhancing All Children’s Health) program, SMS CARES, and Parent University. Michelle is passionate about doing what is best for students and their families in our community.
I volunteer with Parkland CARES because of its direct impact on Parkland students and our incredible community. Together, we make a meaningful difference by providing essential resources and support, ultimately strengthening the connections that unite us all.
Amy Dobil Barnett
Board Member — Josh Early Candies — Owner
Amy is a fifth-generation co-owner of Josh Early Candies, a family-owned and operated business that is proud to call the Lehigh Valley its home. She and her husband, Jason, have three sons attending school in the Parkland School District. Amy has a background in social work and is driven to make a difference in the lives of others with her involvement in various non-profit organizations and charitable initiatives throughout our community. She is passionate about supporting Parkland CARES in its mission to fight food insecurity and help families in need.
I volunteer with Parkland CARES because I believe no family should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. It’s rewarding to be part of an organization that provides support to those facing food insecurity in our community. Seeing the direct impact we make—helping families put food on the table—reminds me why this work is so important.
David Hein
Board Member — Workforce Board Lehigh Valley — Fiscal Director
David’s background in Financial Planning and Analysis spans over 30 years, with a focus on the health insurance industry. He has lived in South Whitehall Township for the past 27 years and is married to his wife Mara and has a daughter Amanda. David is currently an elected member of the Parkland School Board and also serves on the boards of the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute (LCTI), the Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC), the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) and the Pennsylvania School District Liquid Asset Fund (PSDLAF). Volunteering with Parkland CARES from almost the beginning and knowing the changing demographics in our community, David has a passion for serving the community.
I volunteer with Parkland CARES because there is a need in our community, and I believe in the mission of this organization.
Christina "Tori" Morgan
Board Member — Entech Engineering — Director of Funding, Regulatory Relations & Compliance
Tori graduated from Muhlenberg College in 1990 with a B.S. in a self-designed major of Biology and Psychology. After graduation, Tori chose the Lehigh Valley as her home. She resides in South Whitehall Township with her husband Jeff. They have twins, Jillian and Sam who are employed as a Nurse (BSN) and an Attorney here in Allentown. Tori currently has worked for the last 30-plus years in the Environmental Field as an Operator, Lab Manager, Chemist, Compliance Coordinator, and Senior Project Manager. She is currently employed at Entech Engineering as the Director of Funding, Regulatory Relations, and Compliance. With a love for her home and community, Tori served on the South Whitehall Planning Commission for 4yrs and later, in 2008, pursued an elected position as a South Whitehall Township Commissioner, where she served for 14 years. Tori also serves and has since 2011, as a board member on the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, currently as the Vice President, as well as a board member of the Western Lehigh Chamber of Commerce, Parkland Education Foundation as President, member of Allentown West Rotary and current board member of Parkland Cares Food Pantry. Tori is most proud of the opportunity to be a Mom and, with her husband, watch her children grow and prosper in their community. “Be a part of something that makes a difference” is a motto that she lives by.
I volunteer with Parkland CARES because it gives me the opportunity to help my Community by fostering the power to change lives and spread kindness. Relationships and Connections made through volunteering have shown me the true building blocks of strong communities which make the world a better place one task at a time.
parkland CARES leadership team
Jamie walker
Pantry Operations Director
SUe Park
Pantry Director
Megan Finke
Snack Pack Coordinator
Denise Bertsch
Snack Pack Coordinator
Debbie Meckes
Data Coordinator
Kim Stasko
Data Director
High School CARES Team Coordinator
Julie Gangewere
Food Sourcing Coordinator
Ellen Legg
Data Coordinator
Lauren Gallagher
High School CARES Team Coordinator
frequently asked questions
What is the Parkland CARES Food Pantry?
Parkland CARES is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving the residents of the Parkland School District. Through its Pantry, it distributes food to local families, receiving thousands of pounds of food each month from its partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank. Additionally, Parkland CARES collaborates with UNFI, local farmers, grocery stores, churches, businesses, and Rotarians to offer fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy to those who visit the Pantry.
Where is the Pantry located?
The Pantry is located at 5074 Kernsville Rd., Units #3 and #4, in Orefield. The Choice Pantry can be found downstairs in Unit #3.
How does the Pantry help those in need?
Parkland CARES has built strong partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and the community to ensure that individuals who visit the Pantry receive food. Additionally, the Pantry distributes over 325 weekend Snack Packs bi-monthly to students in the Parkland School District.
*Snack Packs are for Parkland School District students only.
Who can visit the Pantry for assistance?
Families and individuals who visit the Pantry must reside within the Parkland School District. When visiting, you will need to present an ID and proof of residence. Proof of income is not required, but you must complete an intake form for both Parkland CARES, Second Harvest Food Bank and Lehigh County.
*Having a child in the school district is not a requirement to access the Pantry.
How is the food distributed to those in need?
Families and individuals can visit the Choice Pantry once a month to “shop” for the items that best meet their needs. Additionally, food is provided to students through the Snack Pack program.
*Having a child in the school district is not a requirement to access the Pantry.
Where does Parkland CARES get its funding?
Parkland CARES is funded through contributions from corporations, small businesses, state and federal funding, grants, and the broader community.