Montclair Food Pantry Has Empty Shelves

It’s been a “very long time” since the shelves at the Human Needs Food Pantry in Montclair have been empty… but here we are.

The local nonprofit sent out via social media last week, asking residents to help restock.

“We are purchasing more food than ever but due to the increasing number of people we serve, we are struggling to keep up with the demand,” food pantry staff wrote.

And the shortage may get worse before it gets better.

“With summer approaching, many people will be going away and donations drop off dramatically, though the number of people in need does not,” the Facebook post stated. “When you’re doing your own food shopping, please remember the many people for whom weekly food shopping is a luxury.”

TAKE ACTION… MAKE A DONATION

Montclair residents have been responding to the online plea. The pantry’s Facebook post has been shared 465 times since June 2, and has inspired a local business - Laboratorio Kitchen – to organize a series of fundraising events to restock their shelves.

The pantry’s next weekend donation drop off day at its 9 Label Street facility takes place on Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Normal drop-off days take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 8:30 a.m. and noon.

See the list of requested/needed items online.

Contact the food pantry at 973-746-4669.

Photo courtesy of the Human Needs Food Pantry via Facebook

Send Montclair news tips to eric.kiefer@patch.com