‘Tremendous Food Insecurity’ In West Orange; People Line Up At Pantry

WEST ORANGE, NJ — If you’re struggling to put food on the table in West Orange, you aren’t alone.

During the town council meeting on Jan. 23, Tammy Williams mentioned that she had the “disappointing reality” of passing the Holy Trinity Episcopol Church's Food Pantry that morning – in 25-degree weather – to see a line wrapping around the corner.

It’s a rare-but-discouraging sight, Williams said.

“We have a tremendous amount of food insecurity,” the councilwoman said. “There are residents in this town who are still having challenges.”

The nonprofit Holy Trinity-West Orange Food Pantry at 315 Main Street “provides healthy meals to struggling families.” It serves residents of West Orange, East Orange, South Orange and Orange. Guests are asked to bring a photo ID and proof of address.

The food pantry is open every Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the food runs out. It also has a "diaper day" on the third Tuesday of the month (clients who sign up receive two sleeves of diapers and wipes, subject to availability). Learn more here.

Cynthia Cumming, an administrator at the pantry, told Patch that they have been seeing an increase in demand lately, including on the day that Williams spoke about. That day, the pantry opened at 9 a.m. as usual, but ran out of food by 10:25 a.m.

Despite seeing $14,000 less in donations during 2022, the pantry managed to serve 36,793 people last year, regularly preparing 200 bags packed with food and other giveaways each week. This included turkeys and side bags for Thanksgiving, and toys and toiletries in December.

The food pantry has seen support from a variety of community groups, organizations and volunteers over the past few years. Check out some recent stories below (click headlines to read the article).

Want to help out? Donations to the pantry can be made online here (check off the food pantry donation box). Checks can be sent to the Holy Trinity-West Orange Food Pantry at 315 Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052.

For more information about the pantry or to volunteer, contact Cumming at heidlercumming@aol.com.

• See Related: West Orange Community Comes Together For Holiday Food Drive
• See Related: Volunteer-Powered Kitchen In West Orange Cooks Up Love For The Holiday
• See Related: Girl Scouts Give Helping Hand To West Orange Food Pantry
• See Related: West Orange Cops, Ex-NFL Player Pitch In For Food Pantry

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