'Little Free Food Pantries' Help Manahawkin Residents In Need

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Stafford Township officials are reminding residents that they can access free nonperishable food items and personal hygiene items through several small pantries throughout town.

These four "Free Little Food Pantries" are "freshly stocked and ready to help those in need," Stafford Recreation said in a Facebook post.

The pantries were installed in 2018 thanks to the work of Eagle Scout Parker Petty. They're located at the Bay Avenue Community Center, Heritage Park, Beach Avenue Park and between the fire and EMS stations on Nautilus Drive in Ocean Acres.

"If you happen to have an overabundance of nonperishable food items and can help your neighbors and those less fortunate out, please consider stopping by and replenishing them," Stafford Recreation said.

Donations can be taken directly to a pantry. If there is no space, they can be brought to the Bay Avenue Community Center located at 775 E. Bay Ave. in Manahawkin, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stafford Recreation volunteers will sort and restock the pantries with these items.

The Mill Creek Community Garden also is helping by using the funds from selling their produce to support the pantries.

"If you are in need, please don’t hesitate to use these," Stafford Recreation said. "We ask that anyone please only take what is needed and remember to be kind to your neighbors."