SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Now in its sixth year of operation, Bentley Community Services (BCS) has been helping families in financial crisis regain self-sufficiency by providing a full range of high quality grocery provisions and more each week, supplementing income and offsetting grocery bills.
BCS is an alternative food bank/pantry, specifically addressing the needs of families, individuals and seniors who, though perhaps employed, do not receive traditional assistances and are challenged making ends meet.
BCS has distributed more than 1.36 million pounds to date, according to Executive Director Dorothy Stearns-Holmes. As the main grocer, Bentley creates access to healthy foods, facilitating healthy diets and nutrition so families benefit weekly from full shopping carts, feeding their families healthy and nutritious foods from the major food groups and more.
The crucial monies that families save are applied toward paying their monthly bills and expenses, reducing debt, medical bills or making needed repairs as these families work toward financial stability and security, according to the statement.
Bentley also offers educational and informational workshops throughout the year facilitated by professionals.
BCS operated for two years and then outgrew its origins in Belle Mead, and is now located at 4064 Route 1 north in the Monmouth Junction section of South Brunswick, where it serves clientele families that come from the entire Central New Jersey region.
Donations of perishable, non-perishable foods and toiletries are accepted throughout the year. Or, visit the website and donate via PayPal, or mail a donation by check to Bentley Community Services, P.O. Box 1093, Belle Mead 08502.
There are also volunteer opportunities available.
For more information or to inquire about eligibility, call 908-227-0684 or visit www.bentleycommunityservices.org or Facebook.