Woman Thanks Asbury Park Food Pantry For Feeding Her Husband, Herself

ASBURY PARK, NJ — As 2022 winds to a close, Patch launched an initiative to help recognize local heroes making a difference in their communities.

This December, Mary Agnes Coles nominated The Mercy Center of Asbury Park, which is a food pantry. Coles said that without the volunteers from the food pantry, she and her husband would not have enough to eat.

Here is their story:

Local hero’s home state
NJ

Local hero’s Patch
Asbury Park

"I go to the food pantry there every week," said Coles. "I'm not sure if it's their full-time job or voluntary, but they help those in need. With no judgment, only kindness."

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

Myself and my family have always been able to take care of ourselves, but after falling on hard times, The Mercy Center has been a saving grace for my family. Their food pantry has hours Monday through Friday to fit everyone's schedule. They are the kindest people I have met since needing help with food. Led by Tracy, the food pantry manager, these ladies are warm, caring and compassionate. You're always greeted with a smile. And in a time where people are so quick to have judgment on each other, there is no judgment here. Only a hand to reach out to you asking how they can help, and what you need.

I have been on disability since 2011, after working my entire life. I was diagnosed with an anomaly of my kidney and kidney disease. The anomaly creates large amounts of kidney stones, infections and very large kidney stones. My doctors then proceeded to tell me they could not let me go back to work because of the damage already done to my kidney. That's a whole other story in itself but because of that, that's how I ended up on disability. My husband had been working at a job for a while and we had just signed a lease on an apartment after being homeless for 10 months.

The ink wasn't even dry on the lease when my husband was told that his company was downsizing and he was no longer needed. Thus began the search to find him a job so we could pay our rent and our bills. He is now working at QuickChek but unfortunately it's only been part-time hours and it's at minimum wage. So with that said, food became a luxury. And that should not have to be, but it was in our case. It just goes to show that especially in today's day and age with inflation and the economy, you can be one paycheck away from needing help or being homeless. We're still struggling.

So I literally searched Google for a food pantry near me. At first I went to a different one that I will not name, and it was not a pleasant experience. The staff was nice, but the other people waiting discouraged me from going back again.

So I went to Google, and found The Mercy Center. They're a wonderful group of people and I look forward to going and seeing them once a week. And it is a wide variety of foods. Their kindness and compassion really kind of refuels the soul, like their generosity and food feeds our bellies. They do have a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, which is a rarity I have come to learn in food pantries. These ladies truly care, and get to know you on a first-name basis. Like an extension of family, if you will.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

I just want them to be acknowledged for all they do for the needy. It's really difficult to ask for help, but with the Mercy Center, you're put at ease. We are currently still struggling as I am disabled, and my husband can only find part-time work to pay our rent. And knowing the Mercy Center is there to help us with food has definitely taken some weight off my shoulders. So in closing I'll just say this: If anyone out there is struggling for food, know that there are people who do care. And they're at The Mercy Center in Asbury Park on Main Street. And will greet you with a smile, kind words, and no judgment.

Thank you for all you do, Mercy Center!

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Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them here.