Nutley Scouts To Hold Food Drive

Nutley, NJ – On Saturday, March 19, local Boy Scout troops and Cub Scout packs working in conjunction with the Nutley Rotary Club will conduct a food drive for the Nutley Food Pantry at the Red Cross building on Chestnut Street.

Personal care items for the care pantry at Vincent United Methodist Church will be also be accepted, organizers stated in a news release.

Some suggestions for food donations are: stew, chili, hash, tuna, chunky soups, pasta, pasta sauce, rice, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, canned fruit, peanut butter, jelly, hot/cold cereal, coffee, tea, and baby formula/food.

The pantry accepts all non-perishable groceries, but not expired cans, so organizers are asking donors to check expiration dates before donating items.

“The need this time of the year is especially great,” event organizers stated in a release. “During February, the pantry served 150 people including nearly 100 children. Over 3,000 food items were required.”

The food pantry at the Red Cross in Nutley is one of the largest in Essex County, according to event organizers.

Since the American Red Cross ceased operation at their Nutley site in December, the Nutley Family Service Bureau is now operating the pantry.

Last year, Nutley Scouts collected nearly 17,000 items for the food pantry, according to former Commissioner Walt Smith, Pack 141 Chairman and chairman of the project.

“This is always an exhausting day, but it’s a great way to teach Scouts the meaning of helping others, especially the young Cub Scouts,” Smith said.

Donations may be dropped off at the Red Cross on Chestnut Street on March 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Donors may also call a Scout representative at (973) 931-2686.

Cub Scout Packs 141 and 142 along with Boy Scout Troops 147 will also be outside Nutley Park ShopRite on March 19 to accept donations from residents.

“We are tremendously grateful for the continued support that the Nutley Scouts and community members provide to programs like the NFSB Food Pantry,” stated Catlin Peterson, Social Services Director of the Nutley Family Service Bureau.

“The Food Pantry has been relying on donations from this project to stock the shelves,” Peterson said. “Year after year, the Scouts and those who donate help to keep it going.”

Peterson reminded Nutley residents that participation in the program is confidential, and qualification is on a case by case basis.

Residents in need of food assistance can speak to a staff member at (973) 667-1884, or read more about the program here.

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