Local pantries in dire need

[Cranbury Press]

Local pantries in dire need
Thursday, November 13, 2008 11:12 AM EST
By Davy James, Staff Writer

With the current state of the economy, local food pantries are seeing a spike in the number of families seeking aid to help them get through the holidays and beyond. As Thanksgiving approaches, the supplies are beginning to dwindle and help is needed from the local communities to aid the less fortunate.

Skeet’s Food Pantry of the First Presbyterian Church of Cranbury is currently helping about 80 families and is seeing that number increase on a weekly basis, according to food drive organizer Deanna Anderson.

”We’re light on donations thus far, but we’re also seeing more food going out in general than we’re used to seeing this time of year,” Ms. Anderson said. “People in this area are so generous, but everybody has been so involved in the election and the economy. We have to get ourselves jump-started into the holiday spirit.”

The food pantry is seeking donations of turkeys and Thanksgiving trimmings such as canned gravy, pumpkin and cranberry sauce. In addition it also needs cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, cookies and juice.

To help, the Boy Scouts will be conducting the annual Scouting for Food campaign in Cranbury on Saturday. Donation bags were distributed to local homes to fill with whatever items can be spared. Pickup will occur on Saturday morning, but if anyone didn’t receive a bag they can leave items on their front step and the Scouts will pick them up.
There is also a wheelbarrow in front of Fellowship Hall at the church for donations. Other items being sought are hygiene products, baby items and warm clothing to be donated to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. Monetary donations or food gift cards for ShopRite are also appreciated. Anyone in need of aid or additional information can call the church at 609-395-0897.

At the Jamesburg Presbyterian Church’s Deacons Food Cupboard, the economy is driving an increase of 10 to 12 new families per month seeking aid from the pantry, according to Cupboard Director Bea Davison.

”Donations are a little less than last year and we also have a greater need with an increased number of people needing help,” Ms. Davison said. “People who used to drop food off are now receiving aid.”

The pantry helps between 90 and 100 families on a monthly basis. Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets will also go out.

Ms. Davison said the pantry is in need of winter food items to make hot meals such as oatmeal, hot chocolate, pancake mix, syrup and monetary donations that go toward the purchase of perishable items such as milk and eggs. The donations go to help families get through the holidays, but also put food on the table during desperate times.

”I think we’re in a situation, in particular the holiday season, where families are getting desperate,” Ms. Davison said. “We’re feeding families and we’re also fighting against hunger.”

Donations can be dropped off at the church between 9 a.m. and noon from Monday through Friday. Anyone in need of assistance or more information should call the church at 732-521-1711.

”We’re very fortunate with the amount of support we receive from the community,” Ms. Davison said.

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