Matawan Community Food Pantry

The First Presbyterian Church of Matawan and the Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Aberdeen have sponsored a community food pantry for over 15 years. Our goal is to share God's love and blessings with our neighbors in need. We are endorsed by the Mission Commission of FPC Matawan, supported by the personnel in the church office and "staffed" by passionate volunteers from both churches. We currently serve about 65 households consisting of senior citizens, single adults, families, and couples expecting children. Clients are referred to our pantry through social service agencies, area churches, the local WIC (Women, Infants & Children) program, the Monmouth and Ocean County Food Bank and word of mouth. Applicants are asked to fill out an informational form including name, address and the number and ages of adults and children in the household. No financial information is requested since there is no "approval" process; all are welcome. We encourage clients to come to our monthly distribution for pick-up, but our volunteers also deliver regularly to the homebound and as needed in crisis situations. Food donations are from a variety of sources: FPC Matawan and COG congregations and Sunday School classes, Presbyterian Nursery School families, scouting and school drives, annual post office collection, local CROP walk participation and Temple Shalom of Aberdeen high holy days donations. The occasional monetary contributions from individuals are used to purchase staples for the pantry during supermarket sales or as they become available at reduced cost through the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean counties in Neptune. Volunteer opportunities include sorting and bagging groceries, arranging a food drive to benefit the pantry or helping out during a distribution. Youth groups are welcome to assist, especially during the busy holiday season. For more information contact the First Presbyterian Church of Matawan at 732-566-2663.