WEST MILFORD — According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), “food insecure” is defined as households that, at certain times of year, were uncertain or unable to meet the needs of their members due to insufficient funds or other resources for food.
“Very low food security” households had disrupted eating practices and reduced food intake. “Low food security” households were able to avoid disrupted eating patterns by participating in federal food assistance programs or getting assistance from community food pantries.
The 2012 statistics from the USDA report 49 million people in America lived in food insecure households and 977,000 children experienced very low food security.
New Jersey appears to rank below average in food insecure households but just one child going hungry is one child too many. Enter the local food pantries and their efforts to help people overcome their hurdles. According to several food pantry representatives, the number of people needing assistance is rising.
Do you need help – or can you give it?
Whether due to the economy, the rising cost of food, loss of a job, illness or other financial hardships, the pantries of West Milford are there to help. Through the generosity of donors and the volunteers who staff the pantries, food is available locally.
Following is a look at West Milford pantries, their locations, hours, requirements and their needs.
St. Joseph Cares Food Pantry
According to Roberta Cevasco, director of the St. Joseph Church pantry, the need for food assistance has elevated from 10 or 12 to 20 families visiting the pantry each week. They try to provide each client with four bags of groceries and supplies are running low.
The most needed items are canned and bottled items: canned fruits and vegetables, tuna, chili, soup, beans, coffee, pasta sauce, condiments and salad dressing. Also in short supply are rice, cookies, snacks, cereals, macaroni and cheese and powdered milk as well as personal hygiene products such as toothpaste and deodorant, and household goods, detergents and paper products.
Donations may be left in the back of the church or at the pantry during hours. Call the rectory for any further information. Monetary donations are needed and may sent to the rectory address. Volunteers to stock shelves with donations that come in during the week would be welcomed.
Clients coming to the food pantry are asked to provide proof of West Milford residency.
“Some come in pretty desperate, not knowing how they will feed their family that week,” said Cevasco.
And sometimes it's as basic as providing a cake mix for a child's birthday.
“We can't supply them with everything, it's supplemental, but maybe this way they can afford to buy meats and healthier foods,“ she said.
Cevasco knows the importance of the local pantries, citing that some people lack transportation and must walk to a pantry. She finds it gratifying to be able to help, to do what they can locally.
West Milford Presbyterian Church Food Pantry
Rev. Janet MacGregor-Williams reports that their pantry is a vital supply line for between 20 and 30 families a month.
“The need is going up,” she said, and added that they have seen clients who were away from the pantry for over a year now returning for help.
The pantry, directed by Judy Kenney, is open to all and donations, including monetary gifts, may be left at the church office during pantry hours.
Their on-going needs include tuna, tomato sauce, peanut butter and jelly, condiments, instant potatoes, canned fruits and vegetables and other canned foods. During the summer months, they were happy to receive fresh produce from Ample Harvest and the Farmer's Market.
She spoke of the need for personal products, items that cannot be purchased with food stamps, such as razors, toothpaste, shampoo and laundry detergent.
Encouraging people to stay in their own community and having the privilege of serving them gives the pantry volunteers a sense of satisfaction.
Living Word Church Food Bank
The volunteer-driven pantry at Living Word Church is primarily for West Milford and Hewitt residents, but no one will be turned away. Monetary and food donations are gladly accepted. Call for arrangements.
“The Food Bank is simply one of the opportunities our church has to demonstrate the love of God in a practical way,” said Pastor Tim Barnes.
Helping to provide sustenance for community members going through difficult times is but one way the church tries to help.
“Along with meeting the physical needs, the pantry also offers financial counseling and employment counseling to those desiring it,” the pastor said. “Whenever we can be of assistance to our neighbors, we feel privileged.”
Reaching far beyond the community, the congregation is currently also collecting shoeboxes of small toys and gifts to be sent to children in third-world countries.
Our Lady Queen of Peace Church Beatrice Marscella Food Pantry
According to pantry director Pat Golczewski, the pantry is open to all West Milford residents and provides food for 30 families each week.
Golczewski spoke of the generosity of the parishioners, Ample Harvest, business owners and some residents who routinely supply the pantry with fresh eggs.
Helping the families by providing food and personal products is augmented by the posting of employment opportunities on the pantry bulletin board and in the church bulletin.
The pantry volunteers derive satisfaction from helping to feed a family and even more so when they can propel someone forward into a job, helping them to help themselves.
Golczewski has also seen an increase in the amount of clients of late – 40 people by mid-week this week alone. The pantry is in need of the basics: cereal, sauces, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly and canned goods as well as personal products. The end of the month is usually the leanest of times.
In the interest of food safety, she asked that condiments, such as mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup, be donated in small bottles or jars for those who have no refrigeration. Proof of West Milford residency is required. Donations may be brought to the parish office or left at the entrances to the church.
“If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” Mother Teresa of Calcutta