Chatham Pop-Up Food Pantry In Need Of Non-Perishable Donations

CHATHAM, NJ — “Take what you need, leave what you can,” is the motto of the Chatham United Methodist Church Community Food Pantry.

Now the pantry, a 24-7 critical food source within the area, needs replenishment.

Chatham Borough Council President Carolyn Dempsey, who was one of the helping hands that spearheaded the Wednesday Chatham Community Food Distribution, was one of two members of Chatham’s Borough Council, who recently spoke about the need for food donations.

“There’s still food insecurity in Chatham that we’re continuing to address,” Dempsey said. “Thank you to the community for its generosity and we encourage you to continue to be generous to people who are still having difficulties.”

Councilman Len Resto, who had previously spoken to Patch about the Chatham Community Food Distribution through the United Methodist Church, where he’s volunteered as well, addressed the public with Dempsey at the last Borough Council meeting about how to help.

Resto, who had told Patch food drive donations tend to taper off in the summer months, also thanked residents for their recent donations to the last drive, especially non-perishable foods and toiletries.

“Toiletries continue to be one of the things that we really need,” Resto said.

Soaps, shampoos, feminine hygiene products, deodorant and other toiletries, he said, are expensive and aren’t covered with food assistance programs. Those who are having trouble making ends meet, Resto said, must pay out-of-pocket for them instead.

“To the extent that we can get those donations,” Resto said about toiletries, “it allows people to use their food stamps for food, instead of using money for these high-priced products.”

“Please keep it up,” Resto said about the donations. “We appreciate it and thank you for donating.”

At the last Chatham Borough Farmers' Market, the United Methodist Church had a booth where they were accepting non-perishable items and financial donations.

About The Pop-Up 24-7 Pantry

The pantry, which started out to help those battling food insecurity because of the pandemic in March 2020, with some plastic shelving outside of the the church’s doors, has grown to fill two sheds behind the church, that are accessible to help those who need food anytime of day or night.

Recently, the pantry has been low on some non-perishable supplies and could use the public’s help with canned proteins like tuna, turkey, chicken, ham and other types of fish. Peanut butter, all varieties of canned beans, dried beans and lentils, canned vegetables and canned tomatoes, including pasta sauces, have been other needs. Cooking oils, baking and pancake mixes, flour, sugar, condiments, pancake syrups and packaged snacks are others.

The pantry also accepts and needs diapers and baby wipes, diaper creams, liquid and bar soups, toothpastes, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, cans or bottles of shaving cream, disposable razors, bottles of mouthwash and deodorant.

The pop-up pantry is well-stocked at the current time and doesn’t need macaroni and cheese; canned cranberry, pumpkin and yams; and tomato and chicken noodle soups.

Accepting baby food and formulas is difficult because they often expire before they can be given out, so the pop-up pantry doesn't really encourage these types of donations, according to their website.

The pantry additionally doesn’t presently need adult incontinence items.

The pantry cannot take: fresh or frozen meats; dairy items; eggs; frozen foods, bagged bread, home-baked items, things that were opened or not wrapped individually; and expired items. The pantry does receive donations from Panera Bread and Chatham Bagel and can receive some perishable items, as long as they are sourced from and delivered by a store or business locally.

They also can’t take household items, clothing, furniture and toys.

How you can help the CUMC Community Food Pantry:

• Via an online donation, click here and choose “CUMC COVID Relief/Community Food Distribution."
• Purchase items from the pantry’s Amazon Wish List here, which also designates items that are high priority.
• Mail checks, written for the “Covid Relief Fund” in the memo line to: Chatham United Methodist Church, 460 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 07928.
• For full information about the Community Food Pantry, click here.

How to give to other food providing partners:

• Donate here for a produce box (pick “Covid Relief/Food Distribution), given out to people in need at the Chatham Wednesday Food Distribution.
• Click here for more information about Helping Hands of Chatham, which provides gift cards to grocery stores, to families who need a helping hand with food items.

RELATED: Fresh Produce, Shelf-Stable Items Needed For Chatham Food Pantry

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.