Chester Mendham Food Pantry Continues Hunger Insecurity Fight

CHESTER, NJ - Among the many casualties of the coronavirus pandemic is a sense of security at America's dinner tables. More than 54 million Americans may find themselves staring at sparse or empty plates before 2020 is over, according to Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization.

And that demand has been seen here locally at the Chester Mendham Food Pantry.

"We do see an increased demand for what we provide and are also trying to balance that need with protecting both our volunteers and the people we help," volunteers said.

Currently, the Chester Mendham Pantry needs:

• Pancake Mix
• Dessert Mix
• Instant Potatoes
• Deodorant
• Barbecue Sauce
• Pasta Sauce
• Baked Beans
• Cereal
• Snacks
• Mayo
• Coffee
• Peas
• Cooking Oil

An estimated 37.2 million Americans, including 11 million children, were considered food insecure under U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines before the pandemic sent millions more into an economic tailspin with colliding crises.

The number of people struggling to get enough food actually decreased in 2018, according to Feeding America's most recent "Map the Meal Gap" study, but Americans' annual meal budget still fell nearly $19.5 billion short.

Now, pandemic-related food insecurity overlaps with massive job losses, the end of federal coronavirus unemployment payments to 25 million Americans, a looming eviction crisis that could leave 40 million Americans homeless, and business and home losses in natural disasters such as the California wildfires and Hurricane Laura.

Those crises have come on top of other factors that contribute to food insecurity: low wages, chronic and acute health problems, high medical costs and isolation.

Neighbors can help out each other in smaller but important ways.

"Food banks always welcome food drives and food donations," said Kathryn Strickland, Feeding America's chief network officer.. "If people are concerned about social distancing, they can have virtual food drives and have people contribute online."

Also, she said, "food banks are very good stewards of cash. What we're able to do with $1 is leverage it and purchase food at wholesale. It goes farther than if we purchased food at the grocery store."

Feeding America says the realities of the pandemic underscore the need not only for private support for the local food banks working to make sure their neighbors have enough groceries, but also for policy reform.

Currently, the pandemic has suspended in-person hours of operation at the Chester Mendham pantry. But donation options remain:

• Fieldcrest Rd. Chester (top of the driveway)
• Local neighborhood collection site (if available)
• Collection bin at Chester ShopRite (at the exit)
• Amazon or other delivery options can be mailed to: CMFP c/o Eisenhardt, 3 Fieldcrest Rd., Chester
• Monetary donations can be mailed to CMFP P.O. Box 694 Chester, NJ 07390

This post contains reporting by Beth Dalby.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.

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