Volunteer

Caring volunteers, dedicated to serving the needs of the hungry in Hunterdon County, are the foundation of the Flemington Area Food Pantry. The Pantry exists only to provide food and personal products to our clients. The good-natured cooperation among those responsible for the daily operation of the FAFP has enabled us to grow in the quality and scope of our work.

The open, non-judgmental approach of our volunteers creates the high standard which we have been able to maintain since the Pantry’s founding in 1982. We recognize that the causes of hunger are many, varied and complicated. The sadness is that the problems of poverty remain with us and continue to grow. While we cannot solve those problems for our clients, we can assure that each one is treated with respect and dignity.

Volunteers perform all operating functions of the Pantry. Volunteers pick up food and personal care items at local supermarkets, donation boxes, and other locations. Volunteers also work at the Pantry sorting and shelving items, distributing groceries to our clients, and helping with clerical and office tasks. Pantry volunteers help with fund-raising activities and assist at special events such as the Empty Bowl.

If you would like to submit a volunteer application online, please click here or the Volunteer button below. You can also download the application form and email or drop off at the Pantry. For more information on volunteering opportunities, call Barbara Wingel at 908-788-5568, or email at volunteer@flemingtonfoodpantry.org. Thank you.

The volunteers at the Pantry are a fabulous, generous, caring group of people.  When asked what they liked about the Pantry, they replied:

It has been such an honor to work alongside dedicated volunteers to lend a helping hand to families in our community.  To be a direct link in providing food to the hungry among us has been incredibly rewarding.   (Sue)

I started volunteering at the food pantry shortly after I retired.  At first it was just something to do, but it quickly became a meeting of friends that were doing something worthwhile.  The camaraderie among our group has lasted over many years with many new people joining and quickly assimilating.   (Jim)

With food comes freedom and the opportunity to focus on life. I am grateful to be able to help make that happen.  (Laurie)

It’s good to know that in some small way I can help fellow travelers in life’s journey and give back for all the wonderful things in my life.  (Judy)

Why I volunteer my time and money to the Flemington Area Food Pantry is to have the opportunity to directly serve the community.  There is no middle man! And for the pleasure of spending time each week with the truly wonderful people who make the pantry work.  (MaryLynn)

I enjoy working with people and organizing volunteers to do the different outside events we participate in.  Also, the daily activities to ensure the pantry has the help it needs to serve the clients.  (Barbara)

Why am I here?  Opportunity to help the community in a small way.  (Ram)

It’s addictive to volunteer at the pantry…helping clients, stocking shelves, bantering with friends, old and new.  (Mike)

The pantry gives me the opportunity to get more involved with people in the community and to provide for those less fortunate than myself.  (Al)

With plenty of time on my hands after retiring, I have been truly blessed to become a volunteer at the pantry.  I work with a group of lovely caring folks who are dedicated to help meet the food needs of our community.  Every day is unique and I look forward to every Wednesday and meeting the clients.  (Nancy)

What the pantry means to me is that I can pay forward to people in need as the good Lord has given me so much to be thankful for.  (Gary)

Seeing how the pantry clients appreciate our resources and support makes me grateful to be part of this giving community.  (Lori)

Our Needs

We have joined a countywide initiative to improve access to HEALTHY foodS FOR good health and TO prevent OVERWEIGHT/obesity. We would appreciate items with limited sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Please, no candy or soda. 

Suggested Donations

The pantry is located across the Walmart parking lot at 154 Route 31 North. Donations are gratefully received at the side rear door Monday through Friday, 9 a.m - 4 p.m.

We are also open on selected Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, see our schedule for dates. Please call 908-788-5568 for more information.

Give Birthday Bags

Looking for a community service project for your scout troop, church group or other group? Would you like to find a meaningful and fun project to do with your children or grandchildren? Are you a teenager who’d like to help disadvantaged children? Everyone can participate in our “Birthday Bag” program!

Flemington Food Pantry helps families celebrate their child’s birthday by providing a “Birthday Bag” for children ages three to twelve filled with party supplies and toys.

Groups and individuals can assemble these bags and bring them to the Pantry or can donate the toys and/or supplies that fill the bags.

Here’s how you can help:

Pick an age or ages for whom you’d like to make Birthday Bags. Then shop for the items you think a child will enjoy, all items should be new. There is not a specific bag size. Cake mix and icing will be provided by the Pantry and does not need to be included in the bag.

Assemble the bag or bags and deliver them to the Pantry.

Desired contents include:

1. Birthday cake candles.

2. Paper plates and napkins for eight to ten people.

3. One or two other party supplies such as a banner, crepe paper streamers, balloons, table covering, cups, blowing toys or hats.

4. One larger toy. This has varied widely in the past. It’s better if it does not need batteries or internet connection and is not war or gun related. Otherwise just about anything goes! Parents are able to look in the bags and choose the one that is most aligned with their child’s interests.

   Here are some ideas: board games, dolls, soccer balls, action figures, science kits, art or craft kits, Melissa and Doug items, building blocks, anything Paw Patrol or whatever is popular, trucks, cars and dinosaurs. For the older children: LEGO or other building sets, board games, craft or science kits, jewelry, sports items, etc.

5. Two or three smaller toys. Examples: jump rope, stick-on tattoos, play dough, card game, puzzle, bouncy ball, stickers, glow sticks, stuffed animal, pencils, etc.

6. Age appropriate book

Give New Baby Bags

When a baby is born to a Pantry family we like to help welcome the child with a New Baby Bag. We invite interested groups or individuals to help us in this endeavor by buying supplies and assembling the bags.

Here’s how you can help:

Shop for the items you wish to include, we request the items be new. The pantry will supply diapers, wipes and formula when requested by the client so these items need not be included. Assemble the bag or bags and deliver them to the Pantry.

Examples of desired contents:

• Diaper Bag (a backpack style diaper bag works well)

• A few clothing items, such as onesies, socks and outfits for babies 9 months and younger 

• Pacifiers

• Small baby toys or board book

• Baby hygiene products such as: wash, lotion, shampoo and diaper rash cream