Local Food Bank Accepting Donations for SNAP Recipients, Struggling Families

RARITAN TWP., N.J. (Hunterdon County) — In response to the challenging times for low-income families, the Flemington Area Food Pantry (“FAFP”) serves as a beacon while asking community members to help keep their shelves stocked.

On Oct. 1, the federal government shut down and with the lapse of funding appropriations, families reliant on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) benefits will not be available beginning Nov. 1, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“When benefits are delayed, [we] can help anyone in need,” said FAFP Executive Director Jeannine Gorman. “We understand this will create financial struggles for many families in our community [but] your neighbors at the Flemington Area Food Pantry are ready to support you.”

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides food assistance to more than 42 million Americans with low incomes to assist them with buying groceries through a monthly-funded benefits card accepted in most food retail stores and some farmers markets. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, more than 800,000 New Jerseyans rely on SNAP benefits.

“Over 2,000 Hunterdon County households rely on SNAP benefits to help feed their families,” Gorman said. “With the increase in demand, your support makes a real difference. We provide meats, proteins, fruits & vegetables, and a welcoming community – no appointment needed.”

Residents are encouraged to help their neighbors in need by:

• Donating through their website to help purchase pantry staples;
• Shopping from the Food Pantry’s suggested donation list or organizing a food drive to support your neighbors; and
• Donating your free turkey at ShopRite in Flemington (272 U.S. Route 202/31 North) this Thanksgiving season.
  • Inform a ShopRite associate that you would like to donate your turkey to the Food Pantry.

“Together, we can make sure no one goes hungry this season,” Gorman added.

To drop off food donations, FAFP is located at 154 U.S. Route 31 North in Flemington, across the parking lot from the front of the Flemington Wal-Mart and operate from Monday – Friday, between 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Donations are accepted at the side door of their building and are welcomed year-round.

The Food Pantry’s distribution hours are the following:

• Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Every other Wednesday evening: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Every other Saturday: 9:00 a.m.– 11:30 a.m.
• 3rd Tuesday (for seniors 60 years old and up): 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Please check the Food Pantry website calendar for specific dates and times

For questions about the Food Pantry, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call: (908) 788-5568.

For more information and continuing updates about SNAP benefits, visit the Hunterdon County Social Services page, NJ SNAP resource page, the State Division of Family Development Emergency/Disaster page. 

About Flemington Area Food Pantry:

Founded in 1982, the Flemington Area Food Pantry is a registered 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit organization with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and is headquartered in Flemington, N.J. Their mission is to promote the health and well-being of the Hunterdon County community by providing nutritious foods and essentials, fostering resource connections, providing tailored programming, and respecting the dignity of neighbors in need. To learn more, visit the Food Pantry's website.

###

Disclaimer: Any external weblinks connected through the Raritan Township (hereinafter “Township”) website, the “My Raritan Township” mobile application, and any communication medium that officially represents the Township as a government entity, are provided as a convenience for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the Township of any product, service or opinion of the associated corporations, organizations or individuals. The Township bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Inquiries related to the external site and its content must be directed to the point-of-contact of the external source.

-30-

Press Contact: