HomeTrinity's Food Pantry
Many people struggle to put food on the table. In addition to the unemployed and homeless, there is a large number of working poor and elderly residents whose monthly incomes do not cover their expenses. These individuals and families earn a minimum wage or are retired on fixed minimum incomes.
Particularly hard hit are low income families and single parents with young children. According to our local census, 30% falls below the poverty level, with an average income of $23,081.
Trinity’s food pantry began in 1995 as a spontaneous gesture to the poor who were randomly knocking on our doors for something to eat. Our rector began bringing nonperishable food of his own and sourcing whatever he could from the church kitchen to feed the hungry.
As the word spread on the street and demand grew, the rector realized that a more organized and well-stocked pantry was needed, and he and the parish administrator solicited donations of food and time from the congregation. Demand grew beyond the parish’s internal resources, and efforts were made to solicit donations from other organizations.
A distinguishing characteristic of our food pantry is that we do not require referrals, identification, or other hurdles customary in this type of operation. Our approach is to recognize that our clients -- who for example may be destitute or homeless without identification. Successful negotiations with the Monmouth and Ocean Counties Foodbank have given Trinity the freedom literally to serve as Christ serves.
Today, the pantry is staffed by volunteers from a host of organizations, including Trinity, who hand out 350 bags of food to our guests each week.
Where we receive our Support
Several years ago our parish administrator spearheaded efforts to obtain larger and more reliable food allotments each week from the Monmouth and Ocean Counties Foodbank. We also receive food from local food drives.
Occasionally food is purchased from wholesale and other low cost food outlets with funds donated by generous individuals, congregations, service organizations, and by our annual fundraising event sponsored by Spring Lake Theater.
Annual Costs & Expenses
The annual cost of food continues to rise, thus the operating expense for the Food Pantry is about $8,000.
How You Can Help
Volunteer: We always need more volunteers! Volunteers typically work at the Pantry in two 2-1/2 hour shifts. Volunteers may schedule to work shifts once a week or once a month or more, depending upon interest and availability.
Volunteers' sort and store food as it is received, and dispense it to recipients. Volunteers may also pick up donated food on a regular basis from markets, other donors and food drives. Volunteers help promote food drives and donations through clubs and organizations.
Donate Food: We receive food whenever the pantry is open. Types of food needed most are protein items (stew, tuna, ravioli, peanut butter, etc.), pasta and cereal. The congregation is invited to bring non-perishable items and place in the basket at the entrance to the church on Sundays.
Support: Monetary donations are always appreciated. The anti-hunger ministries are one of the designated programs that people are welcome to give to specifically. You can give by writing a check out to Trinity Church and earmarking it for the "Anti-Hunger Ministry." Or, you can donate right now on-line by going to the "Contact Us" tab in the menu bar. Click on "Support Trinity" tab.
We are a 503(c) organization and donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.