More Locations of Local Food Pantries

By Lisa Kelly

A team from Monmouth Medical Center lead by Maria Jose L. was on hand to teach about nutrition with St. Bridget’s manager Kathy Francese. (far right)

Food insecurity is a growing crisis and local food pantries across Monmouth County are stepping up to address the growing problem with immediate relief and long-term support.

About St. Brigid’s Food Pantry 

Located at St. James Church, 300 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740, St. Brigid’s Food Pantry has been serving local families for over 10 years, providing nutritious meals and essential supplies to those in need.   (732) 222-1411

Hours: Monday 11 AM–1 PM & Wednesday 11 AM–1 PM. Closed Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

About Senator Vin Gopal Civic Association

Senator Vin Gopal is an advocate for social justice, education, and economic relief, and has been a key leader in initiatives to combat food insecurity in Monmouth County.  The Vin Gopal Civic Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and recognizes that in the Central Jersey Communities there are many groups who are affected by a unique high cost of living and struggle to maintain their economic independence.

Vin Gopal Civic Association

97 Apple St, Suite 4, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724, VGCA Food Pantry & Family Services Center, (732) 455-2703, 224 Shrewsbury Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701, Hours: Tuesdays 9:30-12:00; Thursdays 11:30-2:00., Or make an appointment for a different day/time at vingopalcivic@gmail.com

St. Brigid’s Food Pantry at St. James Episcopal Church in Long Branch is expanding its outreach to meet the rising demand. The pantry, which has long served the local community, is witnessing an increase in visitors as families and individuals face mounting financial pressures.

St. Brigid’s will be offering a free Thanksgiving dinner on November 20th. For more information on St. Brigid’s call (732) 222-1411.

Mike Vizian has been the manager of St. Brigid’s Food Pantry for two years, and he has seen the number of people relying on the pantry for food triple in that time. When he started as manager, the pantry served an average of approximately 45 families each day it was open, reaching a peak of 61. Now the pantry assists an average of 90 families, reaching a high of 127 families in a day who need food assistance. The pantry provides food to 3000-4000 people per month.

“The food need goes beyond the expected stereotype that only low or no-income, or unemployed people are experiencing food shortages,” Mike said.  “I see middle-class individuals with jobs who can’t make ends meet because food is so expensive now and they cannot feed their families without assistance.”

St. Brigid’s Pantry is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM. Referrals from social service agencies and pre-registration are not required.  Clients may register during their normal operating hours.

St. Brigid’s Food Pantry, Long Branch, which has operated for over a decade, has experienced a significant increase in visitors over the past year, with many new families seeking assistance for the first time. The pantry’s volunteers remain committed to ensuring food is available for all in need, but the increase in demand has prompted a call for more donations and support from the community.

Both St. Brigid’s Food Pantry and the VGCA Food Pantry and Family Services Center aim to serve as vital safety nets, offering healthy food options and a welcoming environment for those facing difficult times. Community members are encouraged to contribute through food or monetary donations to ensure these essential services continue to operate at full capacity. Volunteers are welcome.

For more information about donating or volunteering, please contact the food pantries directly.

Two years ago, a food bank opened in Red Bank, spearheaded by New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal and his Civic Association.

(File photo) Besides a food pantry St. Luke’s also has a thrift shop. Catherine David and Carol Cook at the St Luke’s Thrift Shop open Tuesday from 3-5 and Saturday from 12-3.

Senator Gopal has been a vocal advocate for combating food insecurity, recognizing that many families are struggling to make ends meet due to inflation, job losses, and other economic hardships. The food pantry will offer critical support to surrounding areas, providing a centralized location for those in need.

“The Vin Gopal Civic Association Food Pantry and Family Resource Center in Red Bank has grown tremendously over the last two years,” Vin Gopal Civic Association (VGCA) Board Vice-Chair Erin Howard said.  He said that while food insecurity has always been an issue, the immediate need for food is definitely growing. “We’ve seen a steady increase in patrons, and today help close to 100 families a week. We’ve been lucky to partner with Fulfill, which has helped keep staples such as eggs, boxed milk, rice and cereal on our shelves.”

Howard added that the need feels much greater recently; and in particular they have seen a steady increase in young families seeking assistance. One of the most requested items is diapers, and the local community has often risen to the occasion and helped to address the need with diaper donations.

In addition to food, VGCA offers clothing, personal care items and a birthday program. Parents and caregivers can choose a toy when it is their child’s birthday, and they also have cake supplies that patrons can take home to celebrate a birthday. “These little touches seem to go a long way, and our clients are always so appreciative. As much as possible, we try hard to listen to our patrons to ensure we are able to provide what they need and would like to have. It’s truly a privilege to do this work, and we hope our center’s presence helps ease the burden of food costs for our local families,” Howard said.

If you or someone else is in need you can email the VGCA at VinGopalCivic@gmail.com to set up an appointment to shop at their pantry or visit them on Tuesdays from 9:30am – 12:00pm and Thursdays 11:30am – 2:00pm at 224 Shrewsbury Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701.

Locations for local food pantries