VM Food Pantry
Welcome to the Varick Memorial Food Pantry
Addressing Food Insecurity One Meal At A Time
Opening Hours and Access
Open Hours: 2nd and 4th Saturdays
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Location:Varick Memorial AME Zion Church, 120 Atlantic Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Accessibility: Ample parking, wheelchair accessible
Our Goal
Census data reveals a stark reality: 10% of New Jersey residents, 7% of Bergen County residents, and 12% of Hackensack residents experience food insecurity. This means that many of our neighbors struggle to put food on the table, facing uncertainty and hunger on a daily basis.
Providing Nourishment and Hope
Food insecurity is an ongoing challenge that affects many individuals and families in our community. At Varick Memorial Food Pantry, we understand that hunger does not discriminate and work tirelessly to ensure that no one goes hungry.
Our mission is simple; to provide nutritious and quality food to our neighbors in need and to create a community where everyone feels valued and supported.
It's a need that has to be filled. You can see someone in a nice car, and they will say they just lost their job."
- Executive Director, Terry Holland
Nourishing Neighbors
Varick Memorial's pantry service on scheduled Saturdays offers quality and nutritious food to neighbors in need.
Meals for Seniors
Varick Memorial's Senior Bags offer tailored meals and non-perishables for seniors in collaboration with the church's Senior-focused ministry.
Diapers for All
Varick Memorial's Diaper Bank provides essentials for infants and adults, supporting families and seniors alike.
Programs
Diaper Bank for Infants and Adults:
Varick Memorial's Diaper Bank goes beyond age barriers, ensuring both infants and adults have access to this vital resource. This program offers crucial support to families with young children and elderly individuals by providing necessary diapers.
Senior Bags:
Varick Memorial's Senior Bags program partners with the church's Senior-focused ministry to provide monthly bags containing pre-cooked meals and non-perishable items. These specially curated bags are designed to meet the unique needs of seniors, especially during the winter months.
Pantry Service: Varick Memorial's main pantry service demonstrates a commitment to community well-being by providing neighbors in need with nutritious and high-quality food options. Operating on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, this program welcomes and supports those seeking assistance.
Partnerships
- Community Food Bank of New Jersey: Supplies a wide range of food, including perishable and non-perishable items.
- TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) and SFPP (State Food Purchase Program): Participate in these programs to offer milk, eggs, cheese, frozen food, fruits, meats, canned goods, and shelf-stable items.
- Bergen County Food Security Task Force: Donated funding, freezers, refrigerators, and other essential equipment.
- Varick Memorial AME Zion Church: Provides the location, storage space, and staff that enable us to serve our community effectively.
Making an Impact
- The Varick Memorial Food Pantry served 151 households in 2023, demonstrating our increasing impact in the community.
- Our pantry was honored at the annual Blue Jean Ball for going above and beyond in delivering food to those in need, especially during times of quarantine and for those without transportation.
- We were also acknowledged by the Bergen County Food Security Task Force during World Hunger Month in October of the same year.
Goals for a Brighter Future
- Increase the number of households served: Our initial goal was to serve 10-15 households, but thanks to our dedicated team and community support, we now aim to serve 200 households each month.
- Implement Pantry Choice: We are working towards transitioning to a Pantry Choice model in the future. This model will empower our neighbors by allowing them to select from a variety of nutritious options, including meals tailored to dietary restrictions and personal needs.
Get Involved
- Volunteer: Join us in our mission to fight food insecurity. Your time and efforts can make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors.
- Donate: Your contributions help us provide nutritious food and essential resources to those in need.
- Sponsorship: Support our programs and initiatives to create a lasting impact in our community.
At the Varick Memorial Food Pantry, we strive to build a community where everyone has access to nutritious food, and no one goes hungry.
Help us make a difference today and join the fight against hunger.
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