Residents of Howell who find themselves in need of food have a new place to turn to for assistance.
After nearly a year of work, the Grace Bible Church in neighboring Wall Township has opened the Abundant Grace Pantry. Howell residents will be among the individuals and families who will be served by the new food pantry.
The food pantry was established with assistance from the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, church volunteers and Wall Township municipal officials.
“During a meeting, the idea was raised about operating a food pantry out of the church. Shortly after that we met with representatives of the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties,” said Walter Hilcken, the director of the new food pantry.
“They were excited to have us come to them because they felt that our area and the Howell area was an underserved part of Monmouth County. There had been a food pantry in the area that closed in 2010 and it was serving 300 people per month. With that (knowledge), we knew there was a need that had to be filled,” Hilcken said. Barry Morman, pastor, said, “We determined this would be a good community service outreach for our church to have because we have the space and the manpower. Our mission is for the food pantry to serve families in the Wall Township, Howell and Lakewood areas by distributing food to the needy and sharing and showing the hope and love of Christ.”
The pantry will be staffed by volunteers from the Grace Bible Church and provide food assistance to low-income individuals or those in need for other reasons.
Although the focus is on Howell, Lakewood and Wall Township, residents of any town are welcome to obtain assistance at the food pantry.
Individuals will be asked to sign in and they will be assisted by a volunteer.
“Consider the pantry as a miniature grocery store. We offer most things you would find there, from canned or packaged nonperishable foods to meats and seasonal produce,” Hilcken said.
Individuals will be asked to show an identification indicating their address.
“We do not require much else, but we will ask them what their situation is. … We are not going to turn anyone away,” Hilcken said. “Food is provided to the pantry by donations from the congregation, by private donations and by the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Food is also purchased by the church.”
Donations of pet food are also being accepted.
“People’s pets are important to them, especially if you have someone who is shut in and they have a cat or a dog that is really part of their family. We want to try to help them as much as we can,” Hilcken said.
Donations of food and money are being accepted by the church. The pantry will be open Wednesday from 3:30-6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. The entrance is at the rear of the church campus at 4041 Squankum-Allenwood Road, Wall Township. For more information, call 732-938-3111.