POCKETS OF NEED: Influx of patrons leaves holes in shelves.
By: Rebecca Tokarz
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, the South Brunswick Township Food Pantry is looking for members of the community to show some love for those who are less fortunate.
The pantry is running low on several items of food beverages, canned meats, pasta sauce, packaged snacks and cookies, cereals and breakfast foods, macaroni and cheese, baked mixes like brownies and cakes with frosting thanks to a continued influx of food pantry patrons.
"I’m seeing between five and seven families every food pantry day," said LouAnne Wolf, director of the Department of Social Services.
Food pantry days are Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. by appointment only. Ms. Wolf said that in the past, she would normally only see about four families each food pantry day, but in recent months, she’s meeting with many more.
The department, which runs the pantry, works to help township families or individuals in need of financial assistance or food. Last year, the pantry helped more than 400 families throughout the year and the holidays.
To receive help, clients meet with a social services representative and provide proper documentation to establish how the department can help, Ms. Wolf said.
Each time a family arrives for food, Ms. Wolf meets with them and updates charts and discusses the family or individual’s situation.
"No one is getting through without meeting me first," she said.
Donations for the South Brunswick Food Pantry can be dropped off at the Senior Center in the municipal complex on Ridge Road, Route 522, Monmouth Junction.
Monetary donations are also being accepted. Checks can be made out to the Human Intervention Trust Fund and mailed to South Brunswick Township, P.O. Box 309, Monmouth Junction, N.J. 08852.
For additional information on the Department of Social Services and its services, contact Ms. Wolf at (732) 329-4000 ext. 677.