More Than 700 Families In 1 Bergen County Town Are Hungry. Sixth Area Food Pantry To Open

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — The Center for Food Action, a nonprofit fighting hunger and homelessness in 100 towns in North Jersey, will open its sixth and newest food pantry in Mahwah this Friday.

The organization also runs five other food pantries available to all North Jersey residents, located at Bergen Community College as well as in Englewood, Hackensack, Ringwood, and Saddle Brook.

But the newest pantry is something different: A "Choice Pantry."

It will offer a "supermarket-like experience where guests can select the food items that best suit their dietary preferences and cultural needs."

The pantry will be located at 90 Ridge Road in Mahwah, and open as of 10 a.m. on Friday, April 12.

Rather than making people jump through hoops and navigate red tape to get a few staples, the organization will let people "shop" for fresh food.

"The Choice Pantry is at the Mahwah location [of the organization], and we hope to expand to other sites in the coming years, but there isn’t a final plan for that yet," said a spokesperson.

Some of the sites give out pre-packaged boxes of food, and people can get healthy produce and meats and other shelf-stable items.

People who want an appointment to use the pantry can call the office at 201-529-2029 for a short screening and to set up a time.

'Served 700 Households At Risk' In 2023

The group called the decision to launch the Choice Pantry for All in Mahwah "strategic" because the organization had the space for the shopping model, and the demand.

In 2023 alone, CFA Mahwah served over 700 households who were at risk of food insecurity, they said.

"We are incredibly excited to introduce Choice Pantry for All at our Mahwah location," said Nicole Davis, executive director for the Center for Food Action. "This initiative embodies our commitment to empowering our guests and providing them with the opportunity to make choices that align with their individual needs. By offering a dignified grocery experience, we aim to not only alleviate hunger but also restore a sense of autonomy and dignity to those we serve."

They said that donations from supporters helped them build the pantry and purchase fresh fruits, vegetables,
and lean meats.

"We are inviting select Choice Pantry donors from our community and political dignitaries such as Mayor James
Wysocki and Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur to join us in celebrating this milestone moment," said Davis.
"Your support helped us launch Choice Pantry for All and ensured that we can continue to provide vital services to
those in need throughout Northern New Jersey."

CFA doesn't just respond to hunger. While the organization describes itself as "one of the largest emergency food relief agencies in New Jersey, " they have a "mission to prevent hunger and homelessness" and serve more than 100 towns in North Jersey, they said.

"CFA provides a wide range of emergency and case management services so that our neighbors in need can put food on their tables, keep a roof over their heads, keep their lights and gas on, and heat their homes," they said in a release. "Our advocates help provide information, referrals, counseling, assistance in accessing public programs, and other community services needed to help improve their lives."

The Center for Food Action is located at 192 West Demarest Ave. in Englewood, and has pantries at other locations. Find out more at www.cfanj.org.