Give A Little, Help A Lot
November brings warmth, gratitude and a chance to give back. Join the effort to keep every table full this season.
As the holidays approach, our community’s spirit of generosity shines brightest—but the need is even greater this year. With the ongoing federal government shutdown, many residents who depend on SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) benefits may not receive help on time. Nearly 42,000 Bergen residents rely on this program.
Food pantries, community kitchens and neighborhood drives are stepping up to fill the gap, and they need our help. Whether it’s a few extra cans from your pantry, a grocery store gift card or a volunteer shift sorting donations, every small act of kindness makes a real difference.
Below are 20 Bergen County food pantries and drop-off locations where you can lend a hand this season.
- Joseph Food Pantry, 115 E. Fort Lee Rd., Bogota, 201.803.6276
- Epiphany Community Food Pantry, 247 Knox Ave., Cliffside Park, 551.362.0221
- Cresskill Cares, 85 Union Ave., Cresskill, 929.430.7626
- The Food Brigade, 185 W. Madison Ave., Dumont, 201.614.4414
- Meadowlands YMCA, 390 Murray Hill Pkwy., East Rutherford, 201.955.5300, ext. 255
- Center for Food Action, 192 W. Demarest Ave., Englewood, 201.569.1804
- Women’s Rights Information Center, 108 W. Palisade Ave., Englewood, 201.568.1166
- Fair Lawn Food Pantry, 8-01 Fair Lawn Ave., Fair Lawn, 201.794.5327
- Family Promise of Bergen County, 120 S. River St., Hackensack, 201.833.8009
- Mount Olive Baptist Church, 260 Central Ave., Hackensack, 201.489.6888
- Helping Hands Food Pantry, 349 Hillsdale Ave., Hillsdale, 201.664.0600
- Center for Food Action, 90 Ridge Rd., Mahwah, 201.529.2029
- Tri Boro Food Pantry, 65 Pascack Rd., Park Ridge, 201.573.9083
- Ridgewood YMCA, 112 Oak St., Ridgewood, 201.444.5600
- Social Service Association of Ridgewood, 6 Station Plz., Ridgewood, 201.444.2980
- Faith, Hope & Love Pantry, 480 Warwick Ave., Teaneck, 201.833.4502
- Jewish Family and Children’s Services, 1485 Teaneck Rd., Teaneck, 201.837.9090
- Annie Clyde Hold Food Pantry, 100 Palisade Ave., Westwood, 201.956.5614
- Andrew Church, 120 Washington Ave., Westwood, 201.666.1100
- Families for Families, 250 Braen Ave., Wyckoff, 201.499.5622
Didn’t see a food pantry or donation site near you? Click here to see a list of more locations in Bergen County.
According to the Center for Food Action in Englewood, the most needed items include instant oatmeal, canned tuna, canned soup, canned beans, canned vegetables, breakfast or granola bars, crackers, pasta, jarred tomato sauce, pancake or waffle mix, shelf stable milk and peanut butter. Personal hygiene products and toiletries also are needed.
Those interested in feeding furry family members can visit the Bergen County Animal Shelter in Teterboro for free pet food and supplies. The shelter’s next “No Empty Bowls” event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9.
How are you getting into the giving spirit? Share your story with us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.
