By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
HIGHTSTOWN — Area residents know it as the “Green House” with the big front porch but it’s what’s on the inside that matters more.
The Rise Food Pantry, which is open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings in addition to two Wednesday evenings each month, is located in the building owned by St. Anthony of Padua Church in the heart of town at 225 Franklin St. in Hightstown. The “Green House” is convenient for the families that Rise serves and provides the needed space to distribute and store the food.
“The pantry is stocked with food that comes from community schools, local businesses, and Mercer Street Friends Food Bank,” Rise Executive Director said. “The outpouring of generosity from the community helps to keep the pantry shelves stocked throughout the year.”
In 2014, a record 642 families were served by the Rise Food Pantry, which was an increase from 578 in 2013 families, 511 in 2012, and 465 in 2011. In 2014, almost 2,200 people were served, of which 963 were children, according to Ms. Koppel.
In addition to food, organizations conduct collections for baby food, formula and supplies, personal care items, as well as school supplies at various times of the year.
“In 2014, we gave 439 bags of baby items to low-income children,” Ms. Koppel said. “We were able to supply 261 packages of food to low–income pet owners as well.”
Throughout the year, clients have access to full-time Rise case managers at the main office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, to obtain case management services for their entire family. Emergency food packages are stored in the Rise office for walk-in clients who need assistance outside of the regular Rise Food Pantry operating hours. In addition, the Greater Goods Thrift Stores in Hightstown serves as a collection point and distribution point for food and a variety of items which are readily available to struggling families.
When learning that many families needing the Rise Food Pantry are working and could not visit the Rise Food Pantry during the morning distribution hours, Rev. Karin Mitchell and members St. David’s of Cranbury initiated a program with Rise to open the Rise Food Pantry one evening a month.
“St David’s was looking for a way to help our community as part of our outreach activity,” John Paterrson, Rise coordinator at the church, said. “Rise has a well-organized food bank which is always looking for additional assistance. The relationship seemed to fit well with both of our needs.”
Ms. Koppel said, “St. David’s of Cranbury supports the staff and donates food and personal products. Most importantly they send a dedicated and hard-working group of volunteers to the Rise Food Pantry who help the Rise Food coordinator pack-up and distribute the food to working individuals and families.”
St. David’s sponsors food distribution at the food bank the first and third Wednesday evening each month from 5 to 7 p.m. This enables the working clients of the food bank to pick-up food after their working hours. St. David’s supplies staff and food for this distribution.
Julia Badulescu, Rise food pantry coordinator, who oversees the Rise Food Pantry operations during each evening distribution, said, “Once the word was out, we began to see new working families each week. In October 2013 we started with one night and one family, and then expanded to two nights in September 2014 and now serve over 25 families each night we are open.”
Families come in that are underemployed. Some are seniors that still need to work. Most are families with kids and come straight from work, according to Ms. Badulescu.
“I am thrilled to have this evening distribution,” Ms. Badulescu said. “Some people who didn’t know about it drove by and see people on line and drop in. On average three new families come in each night.”
She added, “One client, over 70 years old comes in. Her social security benefits are not enough and she is still working. She has a disabled daughter and a ton of medical problems and she always thanks me in tears.”
To help St. David’s Episcopal Church feed food insecure families, drop off donations at the church at 90 South Main St. in Cranbury from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Donations can include canned protein such as tuna, chicken and salmon; canned soup, chili and stew; jelly, peanut butter, beans, rice, cereal, canned vegetables and shelf-stable milk.
For more information about helping make donations or volunteering to aid St. David’s partnership with Rise, visit stdavidscranbury.com.
