Give back this season: Support local food pantries

November 08, 2024| Community, People

By: Andrew Dollberg

As the holiday season approaches, our local food pantries are in need of supplies and support.

When donating goods, please check expiration dates, as pantries can only accept items that are before their expiration date, and in good condition. Along with non-perishable foods, items like paper products, cleaning supplies, and toiletries are also greatly appreciated. For those who wish to make a different kind of impact, monetary contributions can be especially helpful. These donations allow food pantries to purchase the specific items they need most, as well as perishable items, such as fresh produce. Additionally, many pantries welcome volunteers to help with their operations during this busy season.

Whether you want to support a local food pantry or are in need of assistance, below is a list of food pantries around Lake Hopatcong that are currently accepting donations and providing services.

Hopatcong

Hurdtown United Methodist Church

ADDRESS - 823 RT15S, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
CONTACT - (973) 663-1216
DETAILS - Food pantry open by appointment; please call ahead to coordinate drop-off or pick-up of items.

Jefferson

Crossroad Community Food Pantry

ADDRESS - Holy Faith Lutheran Church, 104 Paradise Road, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438
CONTACT - (973) 697-6060, holyfaith.org
DETAILS - Food pantry open the 2^nd & 4^th Saturday of every month (9 am – 12 pm) or by appointment for emergencies. Donations can be placed in collection bin in church entryway. Requested items can be found here.

New Hope Food Pantry

ADDRESS - Milton United Methodist Church, 316 Dover-Milton Road, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438
CONTACT - Pick Up: (973) 697-3194, Drop Off: (973) 980-8600 (Adele Wildermuth), www.miltonumc.net
DETAILS - Currently seeking: Coffee, cereal, cooking oil, laundry detergent, dish detergent, paper towels, toilet paper, sugar, and flour. More information can be found here.

Mount Arlington

Lake Hopatcong Elks

ADDRESS - 201 Howard Boulevard, Mount Arlington, NJ 07856
CONTACT - (973) 398-9835
DETAILS - Open daily for drop offs. Collecting cereals, juices, jams and jellies, coffee, hot chocolate, rice, cake mixes, sugar, canned vegetables, condiments, laundry supplies and cleaning supplies.

Roxbury

Friends of Roxbury Social Services & Food Pantry

ADDRESS - 72 Eyland Avenue, Succasunna, NJ 07876
CONTACT - (973) 448-2026 (Ask for Eva Scartozzi for donation drop-offs), friendroxburysocialservices.org
DETAILS - Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9am-1pm. A list is needed items is available here.

This list includes only a few of the food pantries serving our area; you can check these lists from Morris County and Sussex County to find one near you. For those who lack transportation, some food pantries offer delivery services, such as the Interfaith Food Pantry Network, which you can contact HERE.

Supporting local food pantries is a simple yet meaningful way to strengthen our community this holiday season. Whether through donations, volunteering, or sharing information, even small actions can make a big difference.