Mobile Food Pantry 
We know in the greater Mercer County area, there is hunger. There are community members looking for a food pantry or food bank near them…and sometimes, even when the resources are available, there are significant obstacles to accessing these locations. This was the driving force behind the JFCS Mobile Food Pantry.
Why a Mobile Food Pantry?
TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS
Public transportation options to existing food banks and food pantries are limited, especially for those located in the suburban regions of Mercer County including West Windsor, East Windsor, Princeton, Hightstown and Lawrenceville.
ACCESSIBILITY OBSTACLES
A growing number of seniors in NJ are hungry, and limitations in physical mobility often prevent seniors from getting to supermarkets for healthy & fresh food.
FINANCIAL LIMITATIONS
In Mercer County, 33% of individuals who face food insecurity – lacking consistent access to healthy, nutritious food to sustain a full and active life – do not qualify for government assistance AND low-cost food options available at convenience stores, most accessible to populations in need, often lack varied, nutrient-rich options.
Meeting the Need
The JFCS Mobile Food Pantry brings the resources of our pantry on the road to locations throughout Mercer County. At each location, we park our fully-stocked truck and distribute groceries to those in need. Similar to JFCS’ brick and mortar pantry, the mobile food pantry will be a nutritionally based choice pantry. Clients will choose from fresh produce, refrigerated and frozen items including dairy, meat, fruits and vegetables, and non-perishable items – based on their family size and any specific dietary needs. This is consistent with our mission of empowering individuals to make informed choices and care for themselves.
Serving More People
The Yvette Sarah Clayman Kosher Food Pantry, located at our offices on Alexander Road regularly serves 40-50 families each month. With the Mobile Food Pantry, we are able to provide food for 50 families at each stop we make – in their own neighborhoods.
The Mobile Food Pantry will maintain a regular schedule of two stops per week with the goal of increasing the number of stops to reach even more people down the road.
Increasing Collaborative Partnerships
JFCS will collaborate with community partners to identify the locations that will provide the greatest impact to those in need. Locations may include other social service agencies, synagogues, churches, and community gathering spaces (e.g. a day care center, low income housing, senior apartments, etc.)
By partnering with other community agencies, we can assess for additional needs and utilize the expertise of our other service lines including mental health counseling, case management, and senior support.
Locations & Schedules
Check back in February 2020 for monthly schedule of distribution sites.
Volunteer & Corporate Partnership Opportunities
In order to serve our Mobile Pantry clients comprehensively, we will need the help of volunteers to maintain this program.
- Individuals, Families, and Corporate Groups are welcome to volunteer to “staff the truck” at one stop, or for a week, or a month, as long as you can commit! Volunteers will “shop” the truck according to client’s requests, pack up groceries, provide general assistance to clients awaiting order, and help clients return bags of groceries to their cars and/or apartments.
- Looking to make an impact? For $2,500 you, your family, a group of friends, or your company can sponsor one stop of the truck. This donation fills the truck for a distribution site AND you will have the opportunity to “staff the truck” at the site. Your name and/or logo will be featured on the truck the day of the sponsored stop.
- Want to make a BIG impact and keep the truck on the road all year?
Annual truck sponsorships are available starting at $5,000. Contributions at $5,000+ will include your name and/or logo on the truck for one year as well as recognition on JFCS web and printed materials. To learn more about our comprehensive sponsor options, contact Helaine Isaacs at helainei@jfcsonline.org or 609-987-8100 Ext 104.
Founding Mobile Food Pantry Sponsors
Ruth and Martin Clayman
Fran and Larry Sucharow Philanthropic Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation
JFCS Women’s Alliance
The Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation
Firmenich
Pat and Ray Schlaefer
Abrams Foundation
B Creative
Church & Dwight
Kaia, Owen and Avery Janofsky
Mercer County
The Wawa Foundation
The Bank of Princeton
Bristol Myers Squibb
Bobbi and Barry Freedman
Jacqueline and Joel Goldfinger
Richard Goldfinger
Jill and Gregg Jaclin
Lennar Homes
Nexus Properties
Novo Nordisk
NJM Insurance Group
NRG Energy
Danielle and Jeremy Perlman Family Fund
Women’s Alliance
The Women’s Alliance is a group of women committed to addressing hunger in our community. By supporting this new initiative, you will help ensure that those with the greatest need will have access to healthy and nutritious food. In 2020, the Women’s Alliance will support the new JFCS Mobile Food Pantry.