Community Foodbank of NJ – Southern Branch

This morning was my first day as a volunteer for the Community Foodbank of NJ–Southern Branch (CFNJSB).  CFNJSB is located on the Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township – near the Shore Mall.

I arrived at 9:45 a.m., and met a host of characters who are sure to make my time spent there quite lively. Each volunteer had exceptionally high spirits, and we joked and laughed as we filled orders and stacked shelves with food that was donated from various people, organizations, and companies. Rod, one of the volunteers, showed me the inside of a large freezer full of poultry that was donated by Tyson. According to the website, this contribution was enough for up to 150,000 meals. Rod told me that Tyson makes this donation every year. Other donations came throughout the day from Shoprite as well as individuals who were making food drops.

Today, we provided food to 73 people. Speaking with Ann, the Pantry Coordinator, she indicated that this number is relatively high for this time of the month (demand amoxicillin increases toward the end of each month). She also explained that the monthly demand, compared to this time last year, has practically doubled – from 900 families per month up to 1700 families.

A person is permitted one order of food per month from the Community Foodbank. The amount of food provided is dependent upon household size and includes a variety of items, including boxed goods (such as cereal), pasta, rice, beans, canned vegetables, meat products, as well as other pantry staples and a sweet treat (when available based on donations). Families may also get bread products daily. The amount of food is meant as a supplement to what families may already be able to purchase based on other sources of income and so on. Unfortunately, supplies do not permit the organization to provide an unlimited amount of food.

I return again tomorrow at 10 a.m. If you are considering donating time to an organization, and are interested in helping individuals and families meet their basic nutrition requirements, considering helping at the CFBNJSB.