Food pantry seeks help to help others

Written by Staff Reports Monday, December 05, 2011 12:57 pm

SWAINTON – The volunteers at the Holy Redeemer Food Pantry in Swainton realize how the economy is hurting local families – simply because each month more and more new faces are appearing at the pantry’s door in search of a bag or two of food.

Unfortunately, pantry organizers say, the food pantry’s shelves are not overflowing with canned goods, fruit juice and dry cereal, and the need for help from the general public is now greater than ever.

According to Food Pantry Coordinator Marion Matticola of Sea Isle City, in recent months she and her colleagues have seen a steady increase in requests for help.

“As quickly as donations come in, they go out,” said Matticola, a retired insurance coordinator. “We are seeing more families come in for food than ever before. In November, we had over 100 more requests for food than we did the month before. And the people who are coming to us for help are from every walk of life.”

Matticola stated that last month alone, more than 400 families received aid from the Holy Redeemer Food Pantry. Many of them were homeowners who had full time jobs not long ago, and are now unemployed, renting much smaller homes and asking for food for their children.

“We don’t turn anyone away, because our mission is to support families,” Matticola said. “But, we are hoping that anyone who is able to make a donation will please do so.”

Families that receive food from the Holy Redeemer Food Pantry, which is behind the Holy Redeemer Home Care and Hospice Center on Route 9, must register with the organization by showing proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill. Families with children can receive extra food by supplying their child’s report card or birth certificate.

“This bad economy is bringing families to their knees, and many people – adults and children – are biting the bullet,” said Rocky Santarcangelo, a long-time pantry volunteer. “Donations are needed, and they are needed now.”

“We are very grateful for all food donations, however cash donations go much further because they allow us to purchase food directly from the Regional Food Bank in Atlantic County, which is supported by large supermarket chains and state and federal funding,” added Matticola. “A cash donation gives donors much more bang for their buck. We can stretch a dollar further than the average consumer can at their local supermarket. And these days, we really need to make every penny count so we can help the many families who come to us each month.”

Those wishing to donate can send checks (payable to "Holy Redeemer Food Pantry") to 1801 Route 9 North, Swainton, 08210. Non-perishable food donations can be dropped-off at the same address on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon. For additional information about the Holy Redeemer Food Pantry, call 463-6027.