The People’s Pantry

About the People’s Pantry

The People’s Pantry provides fresh dairy products, produce, and pantry staples to the neighbors we serve while offering a dignified, client-choice experience that allows families to select the foods that best meet their needs. In addition to helping supplement weekly grocery shopping, the pantry also connects neighbors with additional support through referrals to Fulfill’s Resource Connection Team, helping individuals and families access valuable programs and services beyond food assistance.

The People’s Pantry is a choice model food pantry that originated in the immediate aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. This severe storm unearthed Ocean County’s previously hidden struggle with food insecurity. Food insecurity, or lack of a consistent and stable source of food, affects one in ten residents of our county…but you probably wouldn’t be able to tell. They’re the single parents of four who can’t afford to feed their children on a single income. They’re your coworkers who are forced to live paycheck to paycheck. They’re even your friends and family who are struggling in silence because they don’t qualify for government assistance. One of our main goals is to break the stigma surrounding food insecurity and educate others about the true prevalence of the problem.

The People’s Pantry will now be operating under Fulfill’s 501(c)3 for the purposes of federal and state food distribution guidelines.