In New Jersey, 1 in 10 people and 1 in 7 children live in households where there is no regular access to enough food to live healthy and active lives. The NCJW/Essex Pack the Pantry program is doing our part to help by providing ShopRite gift cards to our Center for Women clients so they can shop and provide for their families with dignity.

According to Feeding America, with rising unemployment and increasing food prices, the Covid-19 pandemic severely impacted many individuals’ already fragile ability to put food on the table. We know that many of our Center for Women clients have to use all of their resources to pay rent, choosing hunger over homelessness. 

Volunteer Food Heroes – who are found across our community – hold monthly collections so we can purchase ShopRite gift cards. This simple act makes a huge difference in the lives of our clients and their families.

NCJW/Essex and Pack the Pantry are always looking for volunteers committed to alleviating hunger for women and families in the communities where we reside. We need your help now more than ever! If you would like more information about how to become a Volunteer Food Hero, please contact Angie Benedict at volunteers@ncjwessex.org.  You can also check the NCJW/Essex Facebook page for information about upcoming gift card collections.

Note:  Pack the Pantry is focused on providing ShopRite gift cards to Center for Women clients.  It is not a physical food pantry.