Gilbertsville teen creates Safe Spoon Food Pantry

Gilbertsville-area teen Liam Matlack has founded an allergy-friendly food pantry.

A sophomore at Malvern Prep, Matlack established Safe Spoon to help combat food insecurity in local communities for those managing food allergies. Safe Spoon’s mission is to collect allergen-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free items to donate to local food pantries.

Items are also donated to the allergy department food pantry at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Allergy Department, so that when those in need visit, they will have access to items that support their special dietary needs.

“This cause is important to me as I grew up managing multiple life-threatening food allergies,” Matlack said in a release. “I was diagnosed at 4 months of age and have learned to manage a diet that keeps me safe with the help of my family and doctors at CHOP. My family has been able to afford these often, higher-cost food options, but many are not so fortunate. I recognize the struggles of families managing food allergies and the extra cost associated with providing safe foods and want to ensure that those turning to food pantries have access to allergy-friendly options as well.”

Matlack is working to bring more awareness to food allergies and to grow support for Safe Spoon Food Pantry. He is participating in an independent study program at his high school that allows him to learn more about establishing a nonprofit, food scarcity, and how to run food drives through mentorship and resources at Malvern Prep.

He recently met with members of Boyertown Junior Woman’s Club to accept their donation of food allergy-friendly items, expressing his appreciation to the club for supporting Safe Spoon at their November member meeting.

Boyertown Junior Woman’s Club collected in-demand allergy-friendly items, such as shelf-stable milk alternatives, cereals, rice, snacks, as well as nut-free and gluten-free items for two months and presented the items to Matlack at the meeting.

“We are proud of Liam (Matlack) and his commitment to supporting and feeding families touched by food insecurities,” Katie Swartley, Boyertown Junior Woman’s Club chair of public issues and welfare, said in the release. “BJWC is honored to partner with Safe Spoon by donating food and educating our community about food allergies and the need to have options available at local food pantries.”

Boyertown Junior Woman’s Club is comprised of a group of dedicated women who volunteer their time and talent to enrich the Boyertown area and beyond with projects benefiting youth and those in need. For more information, visit their Facebook page at GFWC Junior Woman’s Club of Boyertown.

To support Safe Spoon Food Pantry with food donations or for more information, email Safe Spoon at safespoonfoodpantry@gmail.com.