Trinity's Food Pantry

Many people struggle to put food on the table. In addition to the unemployed and homeless, there are many 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% fall 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, asking 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 of our guests. Our approach is to recognize that our guests - who for example may be destitute or homeless without identification - should have access to food with a minimum of barriers. Successful negotiations with the Monmouth and Ocean Counties Foodbank have given Trinity the freedom to welcome and serve everyone unconditionally. Today, the pantry is staffed by volunteers from a host of organizations, including Trinity, who hand out 450 bags of food to our guests each week. Hours of Operation: Tuesday: 11am - 1pm, 6 - 7pm; Wednesday: 11am - 1pm; Friday: 11am - 1pm. We require no referrals, proof of identification, or proof of employment.