People with jobs still need meals
By: Al Wicklund
There’s some concern about donations to charities, particularly among people involved in programs that feed those in need, but Peter Wise has broader concerns.
Mr. Wise, a Cranbury resident who is director of the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, sees a troubling pattern in the people his program helps.
"I believe the need is getting greater. January was a record month for our kitchen. We served 11,488 meals. We usually serve about 10,000 a month. We had a single-day high on Jan. 30; we served 726 meals," he said.
Rita Whitney of the Monroe Township Senior Center and Janet Curtis of Deacons Food Pantry of the Presbyterian Church of Jamesburg know what Mr. Wise is talking about
They too have seen growing needs.
Mr. Wise said another troubling aspect is that about one-third of the men and women who come to the Trenton site have jobs.
"I’m seeing many new faces. They’re part of the working poor. They have jobs, but the jobs don’t pay enough to survive in our economy today. I’m also seeing more of the elderly. It can be very difficult for them," he said.
He said this is happening within a half-hour trip from his home in Cranbury.
"It’s happening in an affluent area. The gap between the haves and have nots is growing wider," Mr. Wise said.
He said New Jerseyans are living in the most expensive state in the union and where household incomes are the highest.
"But, there are staggering numbers of people being left farther and farther behind," Mr. Wise said.
Ms. Curtis and Ms. Whitney both know of families in their communities that need some help to get through tough times.
Ms. Curtis is concerned about maintaining the Jamesburg program with consistent support through the year.
The cupboard distributes food monthly to about 20 families throughout the year. food is distributed by appointment and whenever needed in emergencies. It exists primarily due to generous contributions of food, time and money from both residents and local businesses in Jamesburg and surrounding communities.
Ms. Whitney is grateful for the help the Monroe community provides.
The program at the Senior Center provides food to 85 Monroe families each month.
At the moment Ms. Whitney and Ms. Curtis have somewhat different situations.
Ms. Curtis said donations fell off last fall, but things have picked up.
"It’s something like a welfare check. Things can get difficult when you get to the end of that check," she said.
"I feel I’m blessed," said Ms. Whitney. "The support of the clubs, organizations and many individuals in Monroe is extraordinarily consistent. To donate to the Deacons Food Cupboard in Jamesburg, call (732) 521-1711. To donate to TASK, call (609) 695-5456. To donate to the Monroe Senior Center, call (732) 521-6111.