Food pantry distribution scheduled for 4th Thursday

JACKSON - The Jackson Food Pantry announced that it has come up with a schedule for 2007 that is available by telephone. The food pantry, 65 Don Connor Blvd., will be open once a month on the fourth Thursday for food distribution, with the exception of holiday months.

For the exact dates, residents who need the services of the food pantry may call (732) 833-6800.

"The pantry is open to all residents of Jackson, new residents who have just moved to Jackson, and anyone in need of emergency food assistance," said Vicky Vitale, director of the food pantry. "The food distribution for this month will be held on Jan. 25."

Door sign-in time for all clients will begin at 4 p.m., Vitale said.

In order to register as a new client, an individual must bring the following: proper identification, a utility bill for proof of address, proof of unemployment or income, and copies of children's birth certificates and custody papers. Copies of the documents may be made at the food pantry.

For emergency food needs, contact the food pantry during the week and leave a message. The call will be returned in a timely manner, according to a press release.

The shelf-stocking day is held once a month on the Tuesday before the distribution day. Jan. 23 is this month's stocking day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for anyone wishing to volunteer from the community. Student volunteers must be 14 years of age or older.

Anyone wishing to run a food drive during the year is asked to contact the food pantry. A list of needed items can also be obtained by e-mailing the Jackson Women of Today Internet Web site at http://jacksonwomen.tripod.com/ or vvitale@optonline.net.

All items collected in a food drive should be new and need to be pre-sorted for outdated or dented or rusted cans, jars, or packages before delivery to pantry. There is a deposit slot in the front of the building for nonperishable items only, excluding all glass items, which would break upon dropping through the slot.

The food pantry does not accept household items or clothing items, and Vitale asked residents not to leave any of those items outside the building.

All monetary donations or checks can be sent to the Jackson Women of Today, P.O. Box 1042, Jackson 08527. Designate food pantry if the funds are to be used for pantry operations.