As a longstanding leader in advancing cardiovascular health, the American Heart Association continues to champion efforts that make healthy choices accessible for all families; especially in communities where the burden of heart disease is greatest. Initiatives such as the Hispanic Center’s enhanced ability to store greater quantities of fresh produce and nutritious foods align directly with the Association’s mission to ensure every person has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life.
When you think about preventing heart disease, refrigerators probably aren’t the first thing that come to mind. But at the Hispanic Center of Lehigh Valley, two new refrigeration units—funded through the support of CAI-United Fund—are doing exactly that. They’re helping thousands of families access the fresh, nutritious foods that form the foundation of long‑term heart health.
Community Impact Director, Tamara Ramer kept the need front‑of‑mind. When funding became available, she reconnected with the Hispanic Center to help bring the project to life. On the day of the refrigerator ribbon‑cutting, Tamara also delivered a presentation on Life’s Essential 8, the American Heart Association’s updated framework for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. Her presentation underscored how access to fresh foods and heart‑healthy education work together to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other major health concerns.
For many families in South Bethlehem, where chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are more common, healthy food isn’t always easy to find or afford. The Hispanic Center’s food pantry has long been a lifeline but limited cold‑storage space meant the pantry couldn’t always offer the fresh produce and lean proteins that support cardiovascular wellness. That changed with the arrival of the new refrigerators.
With expanded cold storage, the pantry can now keep a wider variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and low‑fat dairy options on hand—foods proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and help manage chronic conditions. Families who rely on the pantry are receiving healthier, more culturally familiar ingredients, empowering them to prepare meals that nourish both body and tradition.
This upgrade also reduces the pantry’s reliance on high‑sodium, shelf‑stable foods, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks. By shifting the balance toward fresh, nutrient‑dense options, the Hispanic Center is directly addressing one of the most significant health disparities affecting Hispanic communities.
The impact is far‑reaching. The pantry now supports thousands of residents each year, many of whom live in neighborhoods where access to affordable, healthy food is limited. For these families, the new refrigerators represent more than equipment—they symbolize opportunity, and a healthier future.
In a community where heart disease risk is shaped by both economic and environmental factors, this investment is a powerful reminder that small changes in infrastructure can spark big changes in health. Thanks to United Way‑CAI’s support and the American Heart Association, the Hispanic Center of Lehigh Valley is not only feeding families—it’s strengthening the heart health of an entire community.
You can be part of this movement.
Whether by supporting local food access programs, volunteering with community partners, or learning more about how nutrition shapes heart health, your actions matter. Together, we can build a community where every family has the resources, they need to protect their hearts and thrive.
Join us in fueling heart‑healthy change.
Learn more, get involved, or make a contribution today to help strengthen the health of our community. heart.org/pennsylvania