Located in Epworth United Methodist Church, Palmyra, the Bread of Life Food Pantry will celebrate its first full year of operation in August.
The pantry is a cooperative effort of 10 Tri-Boro churches and one synagogue. Its mission is to provide food assistance for the needy of Palmyra, Riverton and Cinnaminson.
Telling about the food pantry’s history, Dale Neas, food pantry chairman, said: “It is an exciting and heartwarming Americana story of houses of worship, small town communities and a special Eagle Scout, Nick Zampitella of Troop 9 in Palmyra, who are all working together to create a community- wide ministry to help feed the hungry.”
“We have been blessed by an outpouring of support by individuals, civic organizations, and businesses all across our communities and even beyond,” said Neas.
“Our youth should also be highlighted for their on-going support – we have had food drives in all of our schools, and there are Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, swim clubs, dance clubs and others who are involved.”
Currently, the Bread of Life food pantry is open on the third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Recipients must be a resident of Palmyra, Riverton or Cinnaminson; and show identification along with an identifiable need (i.e. TANF, SSI, Medicaid, WIC, Food Stamp Program, Low Income Household, or any emergency situation). All food is distributed at no cost to the recipient.
Neas said that in the past year, the pantry has served more than 550 families representing some 2,000 people.
The entire operation of the Bread of Life Food Pantry is spearheaded by a seven-person, all-volunteer staff, and is supported by volunteer pantry coordinators who are based in each of the Tri-boro’s churches and synagogue. Approximately 15 to 20 volunteers are required each month to help operate the pantry. About eight of the volunteers are typically youth who assist pantry recipients with carrying food bags to their vehicles while the remaining adult volunteers man the various stations within the pantry. Throughout the month, there are other volunteers who are needed to clean the pantry facility, transport food from The Food Bank of South Jersey in Pennsauken to Palmyra, and process donated food on drop-off days on Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m.
Neas said that “everyone can be a part of The Bread of Life Food Pantry” by donating food, volunteering or contributing financially.
Anyone wishing to volunteer can contact volunteer coordinator, Julianne Scheffler at 856-366-5240.
For additional information on serving at The Bread of Life Food Pantry may call the pantry at 856-829-1908 or Neas at 856-786-8410.
