How to Get or Give Food Pantry Support in Hunterdon or Warren County, NJ

Since the global pandemic of 2020, many families have experienced a change in income and employment status. Food pantries in NJ and across the United States are stepping up their efforts to create awareness, educate the public and broaden their reach to communities in need.

This includes establishing food pantry presence and access to the USDA-managed TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program).

In addition to providing nourishment for households in need of emergency food assistance, the TEFAP program also works to reduce food waste.

Food Pantry Q&A

What is Food Insecurity?

Food insecurity is a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food. Food insecurity is influenced by income, employment, race/ethnicity, and disability. Neighborhood conditions, physical access to food, and lack of transportation all contribute to food insecurity among certain populations.

Food insecurity increases risk for obesity, chronic disease in adulthood, and developmental and mental health problems in children.

The USDA has a goal of increasing food security for populations in need. They are also expanding awareness and community outreach of what is coming to be known as nutrition security:

“Nutrition security means consistent access, availability, and affordability of foods and beverages that promote well-being, prevent disease, and, if needed, treat disease, particularly among racial/ethnic minority, lower income, and rural and remote populations including Tribal communities and Insular areas.”

The USDA’s stated objectives for nutrition security in the US are as follows:

• “Recognizing that Americans, in general, fall short of an active, healthy lifestyle aligned with federal dietary and physical activity guidelines, and
• Emphasizing equity to ensure our efforts serve all populations to promote access, availability, and affordability to foods and beverages, and address the connection between food insecurity and diet-related chronic diseases.”

SOURCE: Food and Nutrition Security | USDA

How Do Food Pantries Work?

US Food Pantries are managed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) via TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) which is managed at the state level. This and other food assistance programs are available to those who qualify based on household income.

Food pantry food is 100% US-grown, with the goal of providing food selections that adhere to USDA nutrition guidelines.

Some examples of foods that may be obtained from a food pantry include USDA meat, eggs, fresh and shelf milk, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, and a wide assortment of canned, jarred, boxed and otherwise packaged food goods that are procured from food vendors, purchased using federal funds, and donated from organizations and individuals.

Food pantries also receive a large portion of their food through community donations. This includes donations from individuals or families, nearby farms, and large food drives through local schools, sports teams, scout troops and churches.

Where Do US Food Pantries Get Their Food?

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) procures high quality, nutritious food from participating vendors throughout the United States.

The food is packed and transported to food banks who then distribute the food packages to local food pantries.

USDA quality standards must also be met, including quantity and variety of foods distributed; proximity of the food vendor to the food bank destination; quality and nutritional value of the food; and criteria and guidelines by which the food is safely procured, packaged, transported, and stored.

How to Apply to a Food Pantry in NJ

Step 1: Call or email a food pantry that’s close to home.

Determine the food pantry that would make the most sense for you to travel to. If you’re not sure, just start by calling one of them and ask.

A food pantry volunteer will explain the registration process and the income eligibility guidelines. Income eligibility can be different depending on which pantry you choose and the town or county the pantry is located.

A Registration Packet can be completed at your first appointment or emailed to you ahead of time. You will also be asked to provide proof of income, proof of residency and some information about members of your household.

Step 2: Complete and collect documents.

Complete the Registration Packet, if it has been emailed to you, as best as you can. Gather any documents the food pantry may need to complete your registration (i.e. proof of income).

Step 3: Schedule and attend your first food pantry appointment.

A food pantry volunteer will work with you to finish your registration. He or she will  explain the pantry’s shopping process and assist you in filling out your shopping list.

You will be informed about your USDA options (meat, milk, grain, produce) as well as local fresh produce and bakery items; and canned and packaged foods from the pantry shelves, that have been donated from the community.

Once you complete your food and grocery selections, food pantry volunteers will bag up all of your food and help you load it into your vehicle to take home.

Food bank donations from neighborhood friends at Thanksgiving.

How much and how often may I obtain food from a NJ food pantry?

The number of choices you’ll have from each food group (USDA meats/items, grains, vegetables, soups, etc) will depend on your family size and the current supply of government and local donations.

Your food pantry volunteers will work with you on setting up two appointments each month. At your appointment, pantry volunteers will pack up the items that you selected from the shopping list.

While they bag up your food, you will be able to make your own, additional selections from the donated produce, breads and packaged shelf foods section of the food pantry.

Helpful tip: recycled egg cartons (clean) and reusable grocery bags in good condition are always appreciated at the food pantry.

What other food assistance programs are available in New Jersey?

New Jersey is a leader among US states in the ongoing mission to reduce food insecurity and provide adequate nourishment to various population groups. As of 2023, the current food assistance programs offered in NJ include:

• National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
• School Breakfast Program (SBP)
• The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
• Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).