Thanks to a combination of overall inflation, supply chain disruptions during the pandemic, and tariffs on certain foreign goods, food prices have risen 26% since the beginning of 2020. In addition, within the past few years, 80% of Americans say they have felt a notable increase in the cost of groceries, according to a recent report published by Intuit Credit Karma. Throwing in my two cents, this is also an election year, meaning fear and craziness abound, which only adds to the struggle for the average working-class person.
For some people, just getting by and paying basic bills is a stretch, as many people are already living paycheck to paycheck. On a more local level, a very high percentage of school-aged children in our region already receive free or reduced school breakfasts and lunches, and many area seniors often must choose between buying medication or buying food because they cannot afford to do both.
This is where The New Love Center works to fill the gap. Recognizing a growing food insecurity, a dedicated group of people has stepped up. The New Love Center was organized in 2014 when the original Love Center in Jersey Shore announced it was closing. The Jersey Shore area churches then worked together, and the new organization was created.
One initiative of The New Love Center is the Cafe’, which is open Monday-Friday at 8:30 a.m. for coffee and baked goods and then serves lunch from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Speaking from personal experience, I can tell you that the café’s staff is super friendly and does a great job of offering nutritious and varied meal selections at no cost.
Beyond the food, the Café offers a space where everyone feels welcome, and people go for the social aspect as much as they do for the food.
In addition, the cook is ServSafe certified. “My favorite thing about cooking for the Café is that, in my own way, I get to minister to God’s children and serve the Lord,” said Chef Jerry, The New Love Center Cafe’ cook.
Jess Rauch, the Café’s manager, had this to say, “I started volunteering at The New Love Center, and I really enjoyed seeing the happiness that was shared here. I became more involved and eventually became a manager, allowing me to reach more people. This not only helped me give fulfillment to other people’s lives but also my own.”
The Café is located at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1407 Allegheny St. in Jersey Shore (Please use the Glover St. Entrance). Currently, the Café serves approximately 55 people daily.
The umbrella organization, The New Love Center, is currently spread out over multiple locations, each performing a specific function.
Current operations include:
Pantry Choice Food Distribution, located at 263 Henry St., Jersey Shore (Avis), is held on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. *The New Love Center also operates a mobile food pantry with pop-up locations in Renovo, Lock Haven, Cogan House, Muncy, and other locations.
Elder Share & CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) includes Senior Boxes for those over 60 and are also distributed at the Food Pantry during regularly scheduled times. This is an additional food box for senior citizens who meet financial guidelines.
The Café is located at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1407 Alleghany St, Jersey Shore, and is open Monday through Friday. Coffee is served beginning at 8:30 a.m., and lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Military Shares is run by the American Legion, George W. Pepperman Post #36, 320 Seminary St., Jersey Shore. On the 3rd Thursday of each month, from 9 to 11 a.m., they distribute a box of food to veterans.
Backpack Program, through Phelps Chapel, delivers backpacks of food to the Jersey Shore, Avis, and Salladasburg Elementary Schools, and the Jersey Shore Area Middle School every Friday during the school year. The program currently fills over 200 backpacks each week for distribution.
How You Can Help
Give Funds – Every dollar given to The New Love Center goes directly to helping those who need it most in our community. Visit http://www.thenewlovecenter.com/donating to give today. To make a donation to the New Love Center, please make checks payable to The New Love Center and mail to P.O. Box 504, Jersey Shore, Pa 17740 or through their website at newlovecenter.com.
Give Food – Food from industry partners and community food drives is vital to helping to feed thousands of people each year. Currently, the pantry is in need of Cheerios, Raison Bran, and oatmeal.
Give Time – Volunteer your time and talent, individually or as a group, to help feed neighbors in need. The New Love Center Cafe’ is in need of volunteers to help at the Cafe’ anytime Monday-Friday 8:00 am-1:00 pm. Also, volunteers are needed to help at the Annex in Avis. Any amount of time you can give is greatly appreciated.
*For more information about any of The New Love Center programs, please visit http://www.thenewlovecenter.com/volunteering or call 570-244-8834.
*If you have a nonprofit organization that you would like to have highlighted in my column, please reach out to me at dave.bellomo@gmail.com for consideration.
