Imagine shopping in the grocery store and getting to the register, only to realize that you cannot afford everything in your shopping cart. You then have the embarrassment of having to get out of a busy line to put things back. Or you live in the country, and you don’t drive either because you cannot afford a car, or you have gotten to the point in your life where you are no longer able. The nearest grocery store is unreachable, and the only food source is a convenience store with over processed food and no fresh produce. Maybe you and your family are forced to skip breakfast or lunch because you can’t afford food, and the only time your kids get three meals is when school is in session. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many of our friends and neighbors every day.

Food insecurity can be defined as a lack of access to food of sufficient quantity or quality to meet a person’s basic nutritional needs. In Pennsylvania, well over 1.5 million people are routinely food insecure, including 436,000 children. That is, they lack access to consistent and nutritious food. Estimates may be low, however, as most people who experience food insecurity don’t show it and choose to suffer in silence because they are too embarrassed to ask for help. Research has shown that a lack of consistent, nutritious food affects all aspects of life, including physical, mental, and social well-being.

In the Jersey Shore area, the amazing volunteers of the Jersey Shore Care and Share have been working tirelessly to fill this gap because they understand it is up to all of us to help our neighbors.

Jersey Shore Care and Share Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that provides food pantry and distribution services to those experiencing food insecurity or shortages to assist with proper nutrition and health. Located at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 229 Broad Street in Jersey Shore, the Jersey Shore Care and Share is supported by more than 25 local church congregations with a community-based spirit. Their motto, “God’s work, our hands,” is put into service for residents of the Jersey Shore community and surrounding areas.

Jersey Shore Care and Share offers a drive-through food pantry on the 2nd Friday of each month from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., usually rain or shine. In this type of distribution, individuals or their designated proxy can remain in their vehicles and drive through the distribution point to receive at least one box of shelf-stable items, meats, produce, breadstuffs, and other items. Patrons can register on the day of the event when they enter the distribution line.

An additional feature now offered to meet the request of some patrons is the pantry of choice option, held every Monday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. For this style of service, patrons can walk through a designated area and select items, just like a supermarket. As with the drive-through, patrons can register on the day of the event.

The pantry has been very active in helping meet the needs of the community. For example, in May alone, the Jersey Shore Care and Share provided food parcels to 227 households via the drive-through program, assisting over 524 people with access to nutritious food items.

Jersey Shore Care and Share is an all-volunteer program with a board of directors for oversight. Their volunteers come from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences and are dedicated, local church congregation members, high school students, athletic teams, civic clubs, and community members with a desire to serve those in need. The ages of their volunteers range from teenagers to centenarians and fulfill a broad range of tasks during pantry operations, including offloading food items, packing distribution boxes, preparing and placing items into carts, and loading vehicles. Other individuals conduct registration, traffic control, and site support options. “This is a worthy project for individuals who are looking to volunteer for a project that has tangible results,” said John Yingling, board member. “The experience has allowed us to serve and to meet and build positive relationships with members of our community.”

When asked how the community can help, Christine Barner, President of the Jersey Shore Care and Share, Inc. Board of Directors, stressed the importance of both monetary and material donations from individuals and groups to help sustain the operation. She is thankful that the organization has recently received the 501 c) (3) non-profit status that will assist with grant program eligibility and other forms of project support. “We remain optimistic in our outlook to provide these services,” said Barner. “We are grateful for the many partners in the retail food and grocery business who support our operation.” Christine also wished to note that individuals needing emergency food assistance can call either 570-916-1317 or 570-360-0178, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Tax-deductible donations can be made out to the Jersey Shore Care and Share, Inc. and mailed to the organization at 229 Broad Street, Jersey Shore, PA 17740.

In addition to monetary donations, the pantry also greatly depends on donated food. Items being requested from the public for future distributions include:

August-Pudding Cups (for the school backpack program) and September-Boxed Scalloped Potatoes.
The next drive-through food distributions for the Jersey Shore Care and Share pantry are:
– Friday, August 8 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
– Friday, September 12 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

For more information, please visit their website at https://jerseyshorecareandshare.com.