Pantry needs a helping hand

by Davy James, Staff Writer
   As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, families in need throughout the area are hoping that the giving spirit of the holiday will help carry them through the toughest of economic times.
   Nowhere is the spirit of giving as important as it is for the South Brunswick Food Pantry, where even young volunteers visiting from other countries are doing their part to aid the less fortunate.
   ”It makes me feel great and proud to help other people,” said 14-year-old volunteer Kardhik Venkat, of India, who is donating his time to the food pantry while visiting relatives for the week. “There are so many people who do things to make life better for others, but they also need help from volunteers.”
   Due to the harsh economic climate across the nation, the food pantry has seen an increase in local families and individuals in need of assistance.
   ”Compared with last year when we helped on average about 25 families per month the number of people in need of help has grown,” said Social Services Director LouAnne Wolf. “Last month we gave to 53 families.”
   In addition, there is no money left in the township’s Human Intervention Trust Fund, which is used to help people who are behind in their rent or utility payments.
   The hardships facing many across the community is representative of the current economic situation throughout the U.S., according to Ms. Wolf.
   ”We’re seen as a nice middle and upper class community but unemployment hits here as much as anyplace else,” Ms. Wolf said. “Businesses and individuals who usually donate have had to tighten their belts. We don’t know what the Human Intervention Trust Fund will look like in 2009.”
   Shelves that are usually stocked full are now lacking, which will make it hard for many families to make it through the holidays. Food boxes that are delivered to families once monthly are currently lower in items than usual, Ms. Wolf said. Items that help families enjoy the holidays are also lacking.
   ”I’d like to have more pancake mix and syrup so families are able to sit together and have a nice breakfast,” Ms. Wolf said. “For us to have some empty shelves means we’re not filling as much as we need to.”
   Ms. Wolf said she is hoping for local businesses and individuals to help in anyway they can.
   ”If there is anyone with some connections to local businesses who could help get us food, that would be awesome,” she said. “Costco has been donating to us and that has been a great help.”
   The Scouting for Food program run by local Boy Scout troops to benefit the pantry didn’t generate the number of donations that were hoped for. As a result, an extended food drive will be taking place, according to Gail Schmitt, one of the adult leaders of Boy Scout Troop 90 of Kendall Park. Troop 90 has set up barrels at the Family Karate Super Center on Ridge Road in Monmouth Junction, Fitness 19 in the Kendall Park Shopping Center, New York Sports Center on Route 1 in Monmouth Junction and the South Brunswick Public Library.
   The Food Pantry is currently in need of coffee and tea, Parmalat, macaroni and cheese, JELL-O, cereal, oatmeal, Chef Boyardee canned pastas, dried soup, tomato paste and canned tomatoes, paper goods, baked beans, canned meats, canned fruit, peanut butter, jelly, spaghetti sauce, canned tuna, pancake mix, syrup, pumpkin, rice, boxed potatoes, stuffing, pie crust and filling, muffin mix, gravy and frozen turkeys. The food pantry also distributes gift cards for ShopRite and Stop&Shop, which they also need.
   The food pantry is also hoping for people to donate their time organizing and putting food in boxes.
   ”There is always someone who is less fortunate than you are,” Ms. Wolf said. “Donating makes you feel good knowing that you’re helping someone else and it makes you appreciate all that you have.”