Safe Spoon Food Pantry- Local Teen Creates Allergy Aware Food Pantry with Support from Boyertown Junior Woman’s Club

 Contributed by Danelle Matlack

Boyertown Junior Women’s Club presents Liam Matlack, founder of Safe Spoon Food Pantry, with their generous donation of allergy friendly food items.

[Boyertown, Pa- November 11, 2025]- Liam Matlack, a Gilbertsville area teen and founder of Safe Spoon Food Pantry, recently met with members of Boyertown Junior Woman’s Club to accept their generous donation of food allergy friendly items. Matlack, a current sophomore at Malvern Prep, 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, as well as CHOP Allergy Department’s food pantry, so that when those in need visit, they will have access to items that support their special dietary needs.

In speaking of Safe Spoon, Matlack explained that the cause is personal, “This cause is important to me as I grew up managing multiple life-threatening food allergies. 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 costing 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.”

Liam Matlack stands with the donated food items that will be donated to CHOP's (King of Prussia) newly established food pantry to support food insecurities among allergy families.

With nearly 33 million people living with a food allergy in the United States, it is not surprising that nearly 1 in 10 people consume a special diet. Food allergies have direct medical costs for families including doctor visits, medications, emergency visits, and allergy testing. Indirect costs include special foods. Recently it has been estimated that on average, families can spend about $4,100 more per child each year with food allergies.

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

Matlack expressed his appreciation to Boyertown Junior Woman’s Club for supporting Safe Spoon at their November member meeting. Boyertown Junior Woman’s Club collected "in high 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 their recent meeting. Commenting on the donation, Katie Swartley, BJWC Chair of Public Issues & Welfare, said “We are proud of Liam and his commitment to supporting and feeding families touched by food insecurities. 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 – GFWC Junior Woman’s Club of Boyertown.

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

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