Despite the unprecedented health crisis and a drop in food donations, St. Cecilia Office of Concern Food Pantry in Englewood, a pantry that got its start in 1980, kept its doors open through the entire pandemic.
“We’ve stayed open throughout the pandemic because we’ve got to feed the people,” said Donald, Food Pantry Director. “Most of us are volunteers. Now, we’re serving more than twice as many families as we were before.”
Before, St. Cecilia Office of Concern Food Pantry served about 450 families per week, distributing food four days per week for four hours per day. When the pandemic hit, however, the pantry began serving 975 families per week, despite shortening their hours to three days per week, three hours per day.
“We’re so grateful for our partnership with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey that helps make it all possible,” Donald tells us.
Thanks to CFBNJ community partners like them, the distribution of a record amount of food has helped thousands of our neighbors to stay afloat in 12 counties.