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. The JFCS Mobile Food Pantry delivers the same healthy-choice experience as our brick-and-mortar pantry, directly into communities in need.

People don’t think about the fact that Princeton is a community of great wealth, but that we have an entire population of people who need support. And if you can say that about Princeton, you can say that about every community in Mercer County.

Marygrace Billek

Director, Human Services, Mercer County

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.

Distribution Stops

JFCS collaborates with community partners to identify the locations that will provide the greatest impact to those in need. 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. Our list of partner locations continues to grow…

Architects Building (Trenton, NJ)

Arm in Arm (Trenton, NJ)

Better Beginnings Child Development Center (Hightstown, NJ)

Capital YMCA Trenton (Trenton, NJ)

Community Middle School (West Windsor-Plainsboro School District)

Cornerstone Community Kitchen (Princeton, NJ)

Ethel McKnight Elementary School (East Windsor Regional School District)

Every Child Valued at Eggerts Crossing Village (Lawrenceville, NJ)

Holy Apostles Episcopal Church (Yardville, NJ)

Homefront (Lawrenceville, NJ)

Melvin H. Kreps Middle School (East Windsor Regional School District)

Millstone River School (West Windsor-Plainsboro School District)

Panther Pantry (Trenton school system)

Project Freedom (Hamilton, Lawrenceville & Robbinsville, NJ)

Redding Circle (Princeton, NJ)

Town Center Elementary School (West Windsor Plainsboro School District)

Wheaton Point (East Windsor, NJ)

Interested in becoming a Mobile Food Pantry distribution partner?

Contact Beth Englezos at BethE@jfcsonline.org or 609-987-8100 Ext 126.

This week was extremely difficult for the world as a whole, but the healing power of food and your generosity makes moving forward so much easier for our community. What you are doing is directly impacting the community and together we are doing the work. Thank you again and again for help!

Taylor Block

Panther Pantry

Volunteer & Corporate 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.

I am personally really looking forward to the day when I’m driving down the street and the truck passes me…seeing all of these names, and knowing that truck is out on a mission to serve those in the community who are in great need. And it’s a real privilege to be a part of that.

Matthew Furner

President, North America (NAM), Firmenich (Founding Sponsor, Mobile Food Pantry)