24/7 Free Food Pantry Opens In Bridgewater To Help Nourish Others

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A mini 24/7 food pantry has opened in Bridgewater to help residents in the community struggling with hunger.

This is the second 24/7 food pantry that the Greater Somerset County YMCA (GSCYMCA)has opened in the county.

The Bridgewater YMCA, a branch of GSCYMCA held a ribbon cutting for the latest Little Free Pantry on June 18.

Residents in need just need to show up to the branch and either take what they need or give what they can. Bridgewater YMCA is located at 601 Garretson Road, Bridgewater.

"We are excited to continue serving our neighbors in need through the Little Free Pantry movement, a grassroots, crowdsourced solution to immediate and local need," said Kate Russo, District Vice President of Operations, GSCYMCA. "Little Free Pantry helps those with a need to give and a need for food build strong communities. We are nourishing our neighbors and the communities in which they live. The effects can be felt far and wide."

The first Little Free Panty was launched in Somerville in early 2020 by Y member and Hillsborough High School student, Shailee Shah, 16.

"As a Y member for years, one of the things I experienced here is a feeling of community and love. So, people who are in need can come here and take something, and those who want to support the project can donate items to help keep it stocked. People don’t have to feel embarrassed if they need food, toiletries, or other necessities. They can just walk up to it and take what they need," said Shah.

For more information about either Little Free Pantry, contact Kate Russo at krusso@gscymca.org.

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