Food pantry

Jaytee said:

From

Maplewood NJ Community

Fridge and Pantry 

Donna MC 

Maplewood NJ community

This morning, Maplewood PD shared this from Springfield Avenue ahead of Springfest.

What they found is exactly what volunteers and the Township have been dealing with for years - improper dumping that creates extra work, attracts vermin, and actively undermines food access for people who genuinely need it. This is not done by those who use the fridge-they always actively helped to keep it clean.

Please support the new system in the Township's effort to improve food access.

IMPORTANT!!!!

Do NOT drop off donations at the new

Maplewood Health Department and Community

Support Center.

All donations must go through UCC to ensure

proper coordination and distribution.

As we move into the new model, I will work to find ways to accept donations, either at a local business, or pop up collection, and then coordinate with UCC for pickup or drop off. Help from concerned community members is certainly welcomed.

I know many of you have expressed concerns that the fridge is gone. There are pros and cons, but mostly more positive reasons to move away from the shed on Springfield. Please show your support to Maplewood Health Department Maplewood Township, NJ and United Community Corporation for their efforts to support our community equitably and with dignity.

I will try to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you so much for your help.

That’s a shame to see. It was a valuable resource for years, but it looks like it’s just become a place to dump excess food. 

mrincredible said:

That’s a shame to see. It was a valuable resource for years, but it looks like it’s just become a place to dump excess food. 

There were many problems with the Community Fridge at its now former location.  Being outdoors in all kids of weather discouraged some people  from getting food from the fridge (heavy rain, major snow storms, severe heat or cold).  The new location is indoors and offers better protection from the elements.  There was little to no regulation governing what was donated to the fridge or when.  People in need could come to the fridge only to find it empty.  Contents varied widely depending on who was making a donation and what they were bringing.  Recipients will now receive a package containing a balance of nutritious unexpired food and there is a list as to what foods will be accepted and when donations can be made.  There were reports of bullying at the fridge due to some would be recipients pushing weaker people out of the way. Now the community fridge will have staff present whenever food is being distributed.  Staffing will also guard against hoarding which was a frequent complaint.  Another advantage is the immediate availability of social workers who can refer people receiving food to resources that can help with other needs such as helping the unhoused find a place to live.  Disadvantages include loss of anonymity (all recipients now have to register) and severely limited days/hours of operation (currently two days a week by appointment).

It seems like a more efficient and equitable way to distribute food. 

I can’t pretend to know what it’s like to require that kind of assistance. It sounds like there are just enough bad actors in the mix to make the Community Fridge untenable. But I don’t know what I would do if my family was hungry and I was faced with losing out on a scarce resource of food. Would I shove someone else to get food for my hungry family?  I hope I never find out. 

I have seen people in expensive cars pull up and take food out of that shed. I knew it wasn’t going to last. 

Where is the new drop site? What are the new regulations?

Formerlyjerseyjack said:

Where is the new drop site? What are the new regulations?

There is no new drop site.  Donations are now by appointment.  Contact the health department for further information regarding regulations.

joan_crystal said:

Formerlyjerseyjack said:

Where is the new drop site? What are the new regulations?

There is no new drop site.  Donations are now by appointment.  Contact the health department for further information regarding regulations.

Operations for the food bank have moved to 129 Boyden Avenue starting today (May 18th).

Here is a link to the Town's announcement.  All donations must be coordinated with United Community Corporation. Contact information is in the announcement.

https://www.maplewoodnj.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1314/15

• Food donations must be scheduled with UCC. If people wish to donate, they should coordinate with UCC’s Maria Torres (973-642-0181 ext. 600; maria.torres@uccnewark.org). UCC can even schedule a donation pick-up directly from people's homes, for added convenience. Unscheduled drop-off donations will not be accepted at 129 Boyden Ave. unless it is coordinated with UCC.