Our food pantry continues supporting local families in need this holiday season with meal baskets and gift cards. Through the generosity of neighbors and local businesses, there are 35 families currently supported.
As you shop at the grocery store and local merchants over the next few weeks, please consider picking up items for a meal basket or gift cards.
Meal Basket Collection - Dec. 11 - 14
Bags or baskets with items for a complete family meal can be donated, or individual items from the list. Please make sure to get each of the items in the listed quantity for each basket. When dropping off your items in a bag or basket, please write your initials on the outside. If donating multiple kits, please number so that distribution can be completed quickly.
A meal basket for a family of six includes:
- boxed potato mix (16 oz. size)
- boxed pasta/noodle mix (large Alfredo, Parmesan, other)
- 2 cans of green beans
- 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
- can of French friend onions
- 2 jars of turkey gravy
- 4 cans of corn
- 4 cans of carrots
- 4 cans of fruit
- 2 cans of pie filling (apple, blueberry, pumpkin, other)
- evaporated milk
- pie crust mix
- biscuit mix
- cake mix and frosting
- candy
- jar of mayonnaise
- bag of stuffing
- cranberry sauce
- chicken stock
Additional optional items include:
- tea
- coffee
- juice boxes
- milk boxes (non-perishable)
- canned chicken or tuna
If possible, please email DCrowley [at] montgomerynj.gov (Denise Crowley) that you will be donating a meal basket.
Gift Card Program - Needed by Dec. 14
Families enjoy the ability to personally select gifts, which is why our pantry is continuing the program started during Covid-19. This method also provides a sense of dignity and pride for families, allowing everyone to shop, select and give the perfect holiday gift.
We are encouraging a #ShopLocal emphasis for gift card donations. We do not need ShopRite gift cards. Please consider cards in $10 to $25 denominations, helping us share them among our 35 families.
Examples of local merchants include:
- Delis and restaurants (non-chains)
- Ice cream, bakery, coffee or confectionary shops
- Shoe or clothing stores
- Farm shops
- Hardware stores
- Hair and nail salons
In addition, gift cards are also needed from chains, including:
- Gasoline stations (Shell, Wawa)
- Convenience stores (Wawa, QuickChek)
- Big-box stores (Target, Walmart, Kohl's)
Gift cards can be dropped off in the secure lock box located in the vestibule of Otto Kaufman Community Center.