Zone 12
No. 14 Vol. 22
New View Media Group • 1-800-691-7549
November 21, 2018
Lincoln Park Food Pantry Serves Community With Healthier Food Options
T
By Anya Bochman he Lincoln Park Food Pantry has been serving the residents of the borough and its localities for more than 30 years, and is currently assisting approximately 72 families. And while the pantry functions as a regular food service for the community, it is unique in several ways. Jacqueline Castaneda, the coordinator of the pantry, was hired by the Lincoln Park Health Department in May. After recently achieving significant weight loss through better diet, Castaneda became committed to improving the nutritional value of the food available at the pantry. Over the summer, she had asked for donations of fresh produce from local gardeners, as well as used part of the pantry’s grant money to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables. “The health department had donated
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A former pantry client gave back with 19 brown bags full of products. Photo courtesy/Jacqueline Castaneda
tower gardens to schools, so this week I’m going to call them to ask about abundance of herbs and vegetables,” Castaneda said. “It helps the kids, also, as they love to get involved.” The pantry is supported in part by Wakefern Food Corporation, which gives grants to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. The funds are then used by local food pantries to purchase supplies. The rest of the donations are contributions from the community, both individuals and organizations. In addition to its dedication to healthier eating, the Lincoln Park Food Pantry is one of the few pantries that give out fresh meat. Robbin’s Ice Company in Lincoln Park stores the meat in its freezers, which contributes to the idea of the pantry’s be-
ing a community effort. “The churches help out, as well as the dozen pantry volunteers who package and distribute the food – they really go above and beyond,” Castaneda said. “It’s a group effort.” Abundant Life Worship Center is one of the religious organizations that is helping the pantry with toys, clothes and gift cards this Christmas for children in need. Local Boy and Girl Scout troops are also assisting with food and gift distribution for Thanksgiving and Christmas. According to Castaneda, the pantry currently has an abundance of turkeys for both holidays, which are being stored by Robbin’s Ice. Items that the pantry still needs to service families for Thanksgiving continued on page 2