Merchants Team Up to Stock Up Pantry Shelves

The need for food and household items has never been greater in the Caldwell area as to make ends meet.

The Caldwell Food Pantry is the resource for those needy families in Caldwell and West Caldwell, but the demand has now exceeded the supply and your help is critical.

The Caldwell Merchants Association approached Jack Shakoor, owner of in Caldwell, and he was immediately willing to help and the “Be a Good Neighbor” campaign was launched.

The program is simple: as you shop at Jack’s you will notice various items tagged with bright yellow signs stating, “The Caldwell Food Pantry Needs This Item.” Simply purchase those items and drop them in the clearly marked receptacle at the rear exit on your way to the parking lot.

Maria Burak, director of the Borough's Human Services Dept., will be in contact with Jack’s if specific items are in low supply and the signs will be moved to those items that are most needed.

As June Cowell, president of the Caldwell Merchants Association, stated, “We’re trying to make it easy for everyone to be a good neighbor and keep the shelves stocked at the Food Pantry.”

Jack’s has agreed that when the receptacle is full his truck will be dropping the items off at the Food Pantry location, 14 Park Ave., in Caldwell.

The following are items needed at the Caldwell Food Pantry:

• Cereal—hot or cold
• Juice—boxes or plastic bottles
• Kid’s healthy snacks
• Coffee and tea
• Canned tuna, chicken, meat, soup and raviolis
• Pasta, pasta sauce (no glass please), macaroni and cheese
• Canned fruit, vegetables and potatoes
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Hygiene products (shampoo, toothpaste, etc.), paper (toilet tissue, paper towels, etc.) and cleaning (dishwashing liquid and laundry detergent) 

These items can also be dropped off at the Food Pantry on Mondays, from 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Thursdays, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., or at the Human Services Department located inside the , 1 Provost Square. For further information, contact Maria Burak at 973-403-4623.

This article was submitted by the .