Dec. 12, 2023

Bradley Pantry Enters Holiday Season with Optimism and Gratitude

BRADLEY BEACH - The Bradley Food Pantry announced it is has reached the $100,000 Pantry Builders Campaign goal, launched as part of an effort to find a new location to meet growing need. “We’re extremely grateful to the generous donors who support our vision for a new home that will allow us to feed the increasing numbers of people in our area experiencing food insecurity,” said Food Pantry Director Linda Curtiss.

While the search continues for a new location, she said the Pantry remains open five days a week at St. James Episcopal Church, where it was founded over 40 years ago. But she said the pandemic, the economy, and other circumstances have led an unprecedented number of people – many who work full time – to rely on the Pantry.

“We now assist nearly 500 families a week,” noted Curtiss. “These are our neighbors, who otherwise would start the day without breakfast or end the week with no food for their children. We know that asking for help is never easy. That is why every single person who comes to us for food, be it once a week, once a month, or once a year, counts. And they count on us to be constant in an increasingly unpredictable world.” 

Along with the much-appreciated campaign donors, Curtiss acknowledged and thanked the more than 150 volunteers who give their time, passion and energy to making sure the Pantry runs smoothly. “Whether serving a shift at the Pantry, picking up donated food, supporting our fundraising efforts, or many other valuable options, our volunteers allow us to serve our patrons with kindness, respect and dignity every day.”

As the holiday season begins, Curtiss said the Pantry welcomes contributions that will help pay for the food and hygiene products needed by those who come for assistance. Although the Pantry receives regular food supplies from Fulfill (the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties) as well as generous donations from local supermarkets and individuals, she explained that necessary items still must be purchased. In 2022, she said the Pantry’s food costs exceeded $120,000.

“We are always in need of shelf-stable food and personal hygiene items,” she added, noting that a list of particular needs is posted at www.bradleyfoodpantry.org. Donations can be brought to the Pantry during open hours, which are Mondays through Fridays from 10 am to noon the Thursday evenings from 6 to 7 pm. The Bradley Beach Library also has a collection bin for the Pantry.

Those wishing to make a secure financial donation can do so through the website or mail checks payable to Bradley Food Pantry to 605 4th Avenue, Bradley Beach, NJ 07720. In addition, Curtiss encouraged anyone who can help in securing a new location to contact her at bradleyfoodpantry@gmail.com.

“We are profoundly grateful to be a part of such a giving community that makes a huge difference in so many lives,” added Curtiss. “Our hearts are full of hope and determination as we venture into our fifth decade and look forward to a bright future in a new home.”