JACKSON— The Jackson Food Pantry has a new director. On May 1, Linda Wagner received the key to the pantry from past director Donna Sauers, who will be remaining involved in her role as assistant to the director.
Wagner’s mission statement is adopted from a quote from Audrey Hepburn, who said, “People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.”
Serving more than 100 families each month, the Jackson Food Pantry provides food for Jackson’s most vulnerable residents, according to a press release.
The food pantry also provides information about foreclosure, domestic violence, reduced-fee medical care, phone service and energy assistance, as well as assistance to clients in applying for food stamps online.
Wagner said, “Whenever we hear there is a need for our at-risk populations [disabled, older clients, veterans, children, underprivileged, homeless, or a medical necessity], we try to answer that call as best we can. We do not want to see anyone go without basic needs.
“We call ourselves a food pantry, but in reality we are much more to our clients,” she added. “We are cheerleaders when something in their lives is going well, we are a sympathetic ear when they need to talk, we are here to ask them if they are OK — perhaps the only ones in their lives to notice something is not quite right, and we are here to give them a compliment, perhaps the only one they will hear the whole month. These clients become part of the food pantry family.”
The pantry relies on the support of the Jackson residents and businesses, and appreciates it greatly, according to the press release.
For information about registering as a client, volunteering, or hosting a food drive, send an email to [email protected] or call 732-833-6800 and leave a message.