THE OBC FOOD PANTRY

The food pantry is one of the missions of Old Bergen Church, and is a major part of our stewardship to the community. The OBC Food Pantry is run by the deacons with a few very dedicated volunteers, and has faithfully operated for over 20 years. The pantry is open the last Saturday of each month except in November and December, when distribution is one week before Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Food typically consists of boxed and canned items such as pasta, rice, milk, juice, vegetables, cereal, snacks, and frozen meats. Bags of food are distributed from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. To obtain food, one must have a referral from any of the recognized agencies in Jersey City, NJ. All clients must bring proof of identification and their social security number. To receive an extra ("family") bag, parents must provide proof such as birth certificates or social security cards of their children.

Some of the referral agencies in Jersey City include: Let's Celebrate, Horizon Health Center , Health and Human Services, Jersey City Episcopal Community Development, C-Line Community Outreach, City Hall, Bergenview (Community Builders) , and Urban League.

Our faithful volunteers are: Emily Carlin, Betsy Kishlansky, Laurie Comes, Ruth Schnabel, John Nerahoo, Lisa Nerahoo, Shirley Thompson, Veera Mohammed, and Max Alcala. Pastor Jon starts it off with a thanksgiving prayer. He assists the deacons and speaks to the clients. The OBC Food Pantry could use help from volunteers who are able to assist in picking up the food from the NJ Food Bank and during the distribution days. Middle school and high school students needing community service hours are welcome to help us. Church members and friends who are available particularly on Saturdays- please contact the deacons.

2012 FOOD DISTRIBUTION SCHEDULE

January
28th (Saturday)
February
25th (Saturday)
March
31st (Saturday)
April
28th (Saturday)
May
26th (Saturday)
June
30th (Saturday)
July
28th (Saturday)
August
25th (Saturday)
September
29th (Saturday)
October
27th (Saturday)
November
17th (Saturday)
December
15th (Saturday)

Distribution for 2012 is scheduled on the last Saturday of each month, except for November and December. Please check this webpage for announcements or changes in schedule of food distribution.