MLK Day Of Service Food Drive Happening In Chatham

UPDATED: Jan. 14, 2022, with new information about a local official who plans to speak at the event and update to items being collected.

CHATHAM, NJ — One of the greatest community challenges that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. saw in his lifetime was food insecurity.

During the pandemic, Chatham too has been faced with this hurdle, the Chatham United Methodist Church’s Community Food Distribution and pantry having helped to feed many Chatham residents.

On Monday, Jan. 17 between 10 a.m. and noon, residents are encouraged to help out their fellow neighbors through the drive-thru food drop-off at Chatham United Methodist Church on 460 Main Street's rear parking lot.

The Food Distribution is once-weekly for people in-need, who can drive or walk up to receive items. The food pantry is open 24 hours, outside of the church, with a “take what you need, leave what you can,” idea.

The newly-established Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee of Chatham Borough, in keeping with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s desire to overcome food insecurity in communities, is spearheading the upcoming MLK Day of Service Food Drive with Chatham United Methodist Church.

Chatham Borough Mayor Thaddeus Kobylarz, will make remarks during the event at noon.

See the list of foods below that are most needed and the ones that can’t be accepted:

What the food distribution and pantry are looking for:

Canned tuna, salmon or chicken
Soup – lower sodium
Canned pasta
Macaroni and cheese
Canned fruit in light syrup or juice
Dry beans, peas or lentils
Rice – brown or white
Peanut butter
Instant potatoes
Canned tomatoes – low sodium, no salt added
Pancake mix and syrup
Hot and cold cereals
Canned vegetables – low sodium
Canned beans or peas
Healthy snacks (e.g. raisins, granola bars)
Baking mixes

What Can't Be Accepted:
Food that needs to be refrigerated
Food in fragile packaging like glass
Food that is expired or near expiration

Toiletries are also being accepted, according to the Borough of Chatham, with those items typically expensive and not covered for people receiving food assistance.

Find out about the Chatham Community Food Distribution and Food Pantry here.

See more details and updates here for the food drive.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a local news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.