NJ Food Pantry Expanding Storage Capacity 60 Percent

PARSIPPANY, NJ - The Interfaith Food Pantry (IFP) will increase storage capacity at its main warehouse and resource center, located at 2 Executive Drive, Morris Plains, to help with the increased need caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The pantry will continue to distribute food from the location throughout the project, scheduled to take place from June 15 to June 19, officials said. Food distribution at its 190 Speedwell Ave., Morristown location will also not be affected.

“This is a crucial project taking place at an opportune time for us”, said Carolyn Lake, Executive Director of IFP. “Since the onset of the COVID crisis the number of new families seeking our help has quadrupled. So far this year, we have served 8,000 households and distributed more than half a million pounds of food. Our donors and community partners have been extremely supportive and helping us keep up with the demand. Increasing our storage capacity will place us in an even better position to serve the long-term needs of our community.”

The IFP noted any groups planning to conduct large-scale food drives to avoid deliveries during the expansion. Individual, smaller donations will be accepted at nearby St. Virgil Church, 250 Speedwell Ave., Morris Plains during that period between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The interior project involves the disassembly and reconfiguration of pallet racks inside the IFP’s 8,000 square foot warehouse and is expected to increase the storage capacity by about 60 percent.

All materials and labor, along with a specially designed forklift has been donated by Highlander Equipment Company in Somerset and Frazier Industrial Equipment of Long Valley.

Wegmans will donate the use of an onsite trailer. Additional support for the project has been granted by Family Promise of Morris County the Morris County Department of Human Services.

“As soon as I saw their facility, I knew we could make improvements that would help accommodate their growing needs, said William Martin, President of Highlander Equipment.” “We are very happy to help out and to do our part in making a difference.”

The Interfaith Food Pantry is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization helping families make ends meet by providing emergency and supplemental food during times of need or crisis. In 2019 the IFP distributed more than 1.2 million pounds of food, feeding over 33,000 Morris County residents. For more information, visit www.mcifp.org

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