Hunterdon County Commissioners present Flemington Area Food Pantry with grant to help address hunger In the community
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – On Tuesday, May 21st, Hunterdodn County Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl, along with Deputy Director Susan Soloway and Commissioners John Lanza and Zach Rich, presented a check in the amount of $75,000 to Executive Director for the Flemington Area Food Pantry Jeannine Gorman.
This money was awarded to the food pantry as part of the grant program from State and Local Recovery Funds, received by Hunterdon County under the American Rescue Plan.
“We are grateful to the numerous volunteers and staff at the Flemington Area Food Pantry for their ongoing service and dedication to addressing hunger throughout Hunterdon County. These grant funds will help to fund the needed infrastructure to meet the growing community demand and ensure the availability of food for those in need. As a Board, we are proud to present this check to Jeannine, and our hope is that it will make a significant impact on many people and provide support to those that need it most,” Kuhl said.
At a March board meeting, the County Commissioners announced the award of $1 million in grant funds as recommended by HFA Certified Public Accountants & Advisors for local non-profits who were on the front lines of responding to the COVID-19 Public Emergency Health Crisis and for those that experienced negative economic impacts as a result of the pandemic crisis.
The Flemington Food Pantry was among several local non-profit and small business recipients that were awarded funds.
“It is always wonderful when the Commissioners visit the Pantry. They are so supportive of our volunteers and the work we do helping others who struggle to live in Hunterdon. Our goal is to ensure that no one in Hunterdon County is hungry, and this American Rescue grant from the County Commissioners brings us closer to achieving that. With our capacity, we can help serve the record-high number of neighbors that we have been seeing since COVID. This grant will be used to purchase protein and fresh produce,” Gorman said.
The Flemington Area Food Pantry takes pride in its operations as a “client choice pantry,” empowering neighbors to shop from a diverse menu, allowing for individuals to maintain dignity and control over their shopping experience and choose items that they like.
The Pantry served 5,840 individuals in Hunterdon County last year and has a drive-through service with optional online orders during their working hours. Volunteers assist clients in their cars, ensuring they receive the same amount of food and can select items like meat, fruits, vegetables, personal care products, eggs, and yogurt.
