Tag Archives: Food Insecurity

News

Amy Flynn Brings Innovation, Decades of Nonprofit Leadership as New TASK CEO

By Rebecca Heath

Amy Flynn, Chief Executive Officer of the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, first learned the importance of giving back while growing up food insecure on a dairy farm in the midwest.

“There were times when we didn’t have heat in our home except for a wood burning stove,” Flynn said in an interview with The Streetlight. “I can remember my mom just piling blankets on top of us at night, waking up in the morning and being able to see my breath.”

Despite their own struggles, Flynn said her family always found a way to support their neighbors, a common practice in her rural community that sparked her decades-long passion for service.

“We never had so little that we didn’t have something that we gave away,” she said. “Whether it was going to a neighboring family’s home to help because someone was sick. … . I can
remember our neighbors coming to help us in similar ways.”

Flynn said she has always been particularly inspired by her grandparents, who often brought her along to help neighbors in need as a child.

“Both of them were just so dedicated to giving back. They truly set the example for all of us in the family,” she said. “Even in service now so many of our friends and neighbors are just one paycheck away from experiencing, it could be homelessness, it could be going without a meal.”

Motivated by her upbringing, Flynn has dedicated her life and career to serving her community. Following nearly two decades of non-profit leadership, including a recent two-year tenure as the CEO of Meals on Wheels of Mercer County, Flynn officially took the helm of TASK in January. The long-standing organization provides meals daily and offers a variety of programs and services to people facing homelessness and food insecurity in Mercer County.

Flynn’s appointment at TASK followed the retirement of Joyce Campbell, who led the organization for eight years before announcing her plans to step down as CEO in May 2024.

As Flynn maps out her goals for her tenure, she said she aims to
“figure out how TASK can continue to be innovative in its approach to tackling the issue of food insecurity, and to engage and involve our community partners.”

“Joyce Campbell was a visionary leader of this organization, and so
I felt very fortunate,” Flynn said. “I’m standing on her shoulders right
now. I mean, she and the board and this amazing staff here have already built so much, and so it’s important to me to keep that momentum moving forward.”

As one of her initiatives, Flynn said she hopes to expand training programs at TASK, such as Emilio’s Culinary Academy. The program,
which is the only one of its kind in Mercer County, teaches culinary
skills to aspiring chefs for free, and helps them land jobs in professional kitchens.

“I think there’s a lot of opportunity to grow around that space,” Flynn said. “There’s lots of culinary training programs, but I think what
makes Emilio’s Culinary Academy stand out is it’s a really small group, a specialized approach. … We have students in the program that have a lot of barriers, and so what’s wonderful is that they have the benefit of our case management team around
them.”

Flynn said the success of the culinary academy has sparked “the potential for us to feed into other training and skills programs,” including workforce readiness and development initiatives.

“We know that there’s always going to be individuals that need the soup kitchen…but if we have the opportunity to help people lift out
of needing this type of support, to find meaningful employment that
has generational impact…that piece really excites me,” Flynn said.

In addition to serving patrons from its flagship Escher Street location, Flynn said TASK has expanded to various satellite locations across Mercer County, and recently celebrated the one year anniversary of launching its food truck.

“We’re working hard to be innovative and get out into communities, to individuals that can’t come to the soup kitchen,” Flynn said. “I think it takes all of us working together to kind of cover our community and surround the community, with care.”

Since starting her role, Flynn said she has met with various board
members, staff members, volunteers and community partners to better understand the barriers the organization is facing and how to effectively address them.

“There’s always going to be challenges, and there’s nobody better to learn from than the people that are on the front lines every day,” Flynn said.

With recent federal policies jeopardizing programs such as SNAP benefits and Medicaid, Flynn said TASK has been working to
ensure the organization can continue serving their patrons. She anticipates the demand for TASK’s services to increase while donations may decrease.

“That presents a layered challenge because we’re going to have to provide more food, with the same amount of resources that we have, or perhaps we’ll have more limited resources because more families are experiencing financial challenges,” she said.

As Flynn and her team navigate uncertainty, working to ensure
the organization has “long-term sustainability” remains their
“number one priority.”

“Obviously what would be wonderful is if we could put ourselves out of business, that nobody was hungry. But we know that that’s not going to be the case for a while,” she said. 

Flynn said TASK will continue its efforts to “meet people where
they are,” and emphasized that food insecurity can affect anyone.

“I think it’s important for us to always understand that our neighbors, we have no idea what they might be going through, Flynn said. “It’s always important to me to pay it forward and give back.”

News

Trenton Health Team Web Application Connects Residents With Food Resources

By Tori Duym

The Trenton Health Team, one of several regional health hubs in the state dedicated to improving health and well-being, has developed the “Mercer County Free Food Finder,” an application created to address the increased need for food across the county.

In 2023, Trenton Health Team found that “74% of respondents in Trenton screened as food insecure.” Community Food Bank of New Jersey, which provides services to 15 counties, including Mercer County, saw a 26% increase in need for food assistance in 2024.

Based on these statistics and the growing need for food resources, a team of individuals developed the free food finder. Roosevelt Scaggs, Amir Touli and Liam Esparraguera, who are former Princeton University students in the computer science department, developed this app on behalf of the Trenton Health Team.

Princeton University’s advanced programming class approached the Trenton Health Team, offering to help with any projects they had in mind. This proved to be the optimal opportunity to get the app up and running.

The app is meant to provide resources for community members of all ages, and its mission is to improve health equity in the region. Staff at the Trenton Health Team maintain and update information on the app. 

The app includes many advanced features, like an interactive map display, a searchable directory, filtering ability and more, even including accessibility of locations thanks to the Inclusive Healthy Communities grant. The grant was created by the Department of Human Services Division of Disability Services, and aims to support communities.

The application also includes translation support, as Google Translate has been embedded into the website for easy communication ability in many languages. This feature allows the website to reach more individuals, as language barriers may have prevented use of resources in the past.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, “approximately 44.7% of residents aged 5 and over in Trenton, New Jersey, speak a language other than English at home,” so this translation feature gives nearly half the population clearer access to the application. 

This idea was given not only by the community partners, but by individuals who rely on these resources, as their feedback is requested and integrated. 

Matthew Broad, director of programs at the Trenton Health Team said that there is a large population of people who speak Spanish, Haitian Creole and Polish. “That was really important to us that the app was available in multiple languages,” he said.

This project began in 2020 amid the drastic lack of access to food during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has continued on ever since. The idea for the app was sparked by the Community Care Team, as people “found it challenging to find food because all of the pantries were changing their hours, they were closing, and a lot of that was based off of the fact that they usually rely on volunteers to run things,” Broad added.

Community partners are in constant communication with the Trenton Health Team. If you know of a free food location that is not yet listed, you may contact the organization for the location to be added to the directory. The free food finder is a comprehensive and accessible directory that has proven to be helpful and reliable during and after the pandemic, Broad said.

He explained that in surveys from the surrounding areas, it is clear that the “biggest barrier to accessing food resources is access to information. Folks don’t know what’s out there and what’s available to them, so Food Finder is one of our projects to help point them in the right direction.”

For questions, suggestions or updates, contact Broad at mbroad@trentonhealthteam.org, or call 609-256-4555.

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Catholic Charities in Trenton Fights Homlessness with Compassion and Action

By Tanzim Didar 

As the housing crisis worsens across New Jersey, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, organizations like Catholic Charities in Trenton are stepping in to fill the gap — offering not just emergency support, but pathways to long-term stability. 

From food pantries to a Rapid Re-Housing program, the non-profit organization reaches thousands of people each year in Mercer County and beyond.

“We have several different residential programs,” said Hollis Painting, community communications manager at Catholic Charities. “We help people maintain their housing and not lose it. Our services extend outside of Trenton, including Mercer, Burlington and Monmouth Counties.”

In New Jersey, there has been a significant decrease in affordable rental housing that is available to low-income families whose income falls below the poverty line. About 75% of low-income renters are dealing with major cost burdens. Additionally, about 43% of these individuals are single caregivers. These individuals spend more than 30% of their income towards rent, leaving them with little to no money for basic necessities.

One of the most impactful programs offered by Catholic Charities is their Rapid Re-Housing initiative, Painting said. Funded through federal, state and county sources, the program helps people experiencing homelessness secure permanent housing by covering up-front costs, like the first month’s rent and security deposit.

“This way we can help people start somewhere,” Painting said. “There are some eligibility requirements, but we encourage everyone to call us and find out if they can qualify.”

For those at risk of losing their homes, Catholic Charities also pro- vides Homelessness Prevention services. These services include help with rent, mortgage or overdue utility bills.

“Whatever we can do to help maintain individuals’ homes and help them get back on their feet,” Painting said. “If someone is struggling to pay their rent or mortgage, they can come to us. If they qualify, we can help them with some of their rent.”

In addition to housing support, the organization provides case management services that help people access SNAP benefits, find nearby food pantries or seek employment.

As Painting noted, the need for these services is growing fast.

“These past few months we have noticed an increase in the number of elderly individuals coming to us. But our numbers are up across all the boards,” she said.

In 2024 alone, the Mercer County food pantry served more than 1,200 people.

 “The number of people coming to our food pantry is increasing,” Painting said. “It’s very challenging right now.”

Catholic Charities doesn’t stop their support once someone is housed. “Our coordinators actually stay in touch with our patrons after we help them settle,” Painting said. “We want to make sure they’re really okay – not just today, but in the long term.”

In a time when basic needs like housing, food and stability are increasingly out of reach for many, Catholic Charities remains a steady force of hope and support in Trenton. 

For anyone facing a housing crisis, Painting has a simple message: “We’re here to help. Call us.”

The organization can be reached at 800-360-7711 or info@cctrenton.org

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Navigating Challenges and Building Bridges at Trenton Area Soup Kitchen

By Tanzim Didar 

In the heart of Trenton, a small but determined group of individuals has diligently been working on improving the community’s living conditions. These individuals are members of the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, and their mission is to address local issues in the surrounding area. 

TASK is driven by a group of dedicated volunteers who feel compelled to address various community issues. Although their work may not be the most glamorous and their impact, while meaningful, may not take the spotlight, that is not their first priority anyway; they are more focused on the work they do behind the scenes.

According to TASK’s website, the organization served its first meal on January 13, 1982. The organization currently serves 9,000 meals per week at 36 locations near Trenton, and offers a wide variety of programs and  services to help encourage self-sufficiency and improve quality of life.

Patrons Services Specialist Evie Spadafora shared her thoughts and experiences, offering a glimpse into the complex realities faced by patrons.

“I work with volunteers, but the biggest part of my job is patron services. I meet with patrons who come to my window and ask me for everything from who they should talk to about an issue to needing socks or razors,” Spadafora said, describing the multifaceted nature of her role. Her office serves as a central hub where solutions are sought, and assistance is provided to those in need.

Spadafora’s connection with TASK dates back to her days as a girl scout leader.

“I would bring scouts over from Bucks County to do volunteer work,” she explained. Her commitment to community service persisted, leading her to a year of AmeriCorps service when a job transition presented an opportunity to work with TASK. Her journey highlights the diverse paths that bring individuals to serve in critical roles within community organizations like TASK.

The changing demographic landscape of Trenton has presented unique challenges, particularly in fostering cultural understanding.

“The biggest issue right now is cultural understanding,” She said. “The people who have lived in Trenton for years are seeing a sudden influx of Hispanic and central European people, and the languages charged along with the cultural challenges really are heightening people’s moods and the way they are reacting with each other.”

In response, TASK is actively addressing these challenges by incorporating different languages into its services.

“I have taken Spanish, and my French has also improved,” Spadafora notes, underscoring the organization’s commitment to inclusivity.

Spadafora’s personal experiences further shape her approach to demonstrating compassion towards patrons.

“I myself am an immigrant,” Spadafora said. “My parents are German, and I grew up speaking German. So, English is my second language, like a lot of the patrons that come to TASK.”

Her diverse background, including living in various parts of the U.S. and Germany, has exposed her to different cultures.

“I always realized that I am very blessed, but any one of us may need a soup kitchen at any time,” she said, emphasizing the universal vulnerability that transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries.

Spadafora’s work at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen goes beyond mere duty – it embodies a commitment to building bridges between communities, fostering cultural understanding, and providing essential support to those in need. With Spadafora’s guidance, TASK continues to serve as a beacon of hope in Trenton, bridging gaps and fostering a sense of community for all.

TASK has been involved in local charity work as well. They coordinate food drives and fundraisers to support local families in need. These initiatives have helped many residents put food on the table, even if only temporarily. Yet, the deep-rooted poverty issues in the area remain a formidable challenge.

Spadafora succinctly defines TASK’s mission: “We strive to create a welcoming environment where individuals can find not just a hot meal, but also a sense of community and dignity.”

She highlighted the transformative impact on the community.

“Our soup kitchen is not just about providing sustenance; it’s about restoring hope and fostering a sense of belonging,” she said. “We see faces light up when we serve a warm meal, and that, in itself, is a powerful form of outreach.”

Spadafora described the vital role volunteers play at TASK.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our organization,” she said. “They bring an extra layer of warmth and care to the dining experience. Whether serving meals or engaging in conversations, their dedication is truly invaluable. “

“Our mission is not just to feed the hungry but to nourish the soul. Through compassion, understanding, and a commitment to dignity, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve,” said Spadafora, marking TASK’s role as a source of hope, resilience and community in the heart of Trenton.

While their work may not be the solution to all the issues facing Trenton, it’s a reminder that every bit of help counts, even when it does not always make headlines.

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TASK Launches Food Truck to Serve the Community

By Neyssa Deriphonse

In a significant move aimed at expanding their outreach and enhancing support for the Trenton community, the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) has recently rolled out a brand new food truck initiative. This innovative project aims to address the evolving needs of the community and provide vital food assistance to those who may face barriers in accessing traditional meal sites. The Streetlight spoke with Paul Jensen, who oversees the day-to-day operations at TASK, and Max Gatto, the Food Truck Coordinator, to delve deeper into the motivations behind this initiative and its potential impact on the community.

The decision to introduce the food truck stemmed from the noticeable changes in different communities throughout the city. “One of our goals was to get to those communities that can’t get to the locations that we physically have,” Jensen said, highlighting the organization’s commitment to reaching those in need.

Gatto’s motivation to lead this endeavor stemmed from his passion for food security.

“I was coming in as a volunteer and found out about the position opening,” he said, reflecting on his dedication to addressing hunger in the community.

The new food truck, which is distinct from TASK’s delivery vehicles, will serve freshly prepared meals directly to individuals in need. Jensen emphasized the truck’s aim to reduce the distance individuals need to travel for a meal. “If we could cut that walk in half or more, it can still make a big difference,” he said, underscoring the organization’s commitment to accessibility and alleviating food insecurity.

Gatto envisions the truck not only as a source of nourishment, but also as a platform for education and awareness about TASK’s comprehensive services. 

“The first thing they’re going to think about is the food that we’re giving out, but there’s going to be a lot of education and spreading awareness,” he said, emphasizing the truck’s potential to foster a deeper understanding of the resources available to the community and empower individuals to access support beyond food assistance.

Regarding assessing the impact of this initiative, Jensen highlighted Gatto’s role in providing assistance in gathering feedback from the community. 

“Max will be out there in the community. Rosa will also come out with him as a community meal site coordinator. She will be helpful to Max as far as establishing metrics… and get information to measure if we’re kind of impacting or making a difference with the truck,” he said, illustrating TASK’s commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to the evolving needs of the community.

The collaboration with other organizations, such as Arm and Arm and Capital Health Hospital, underscores TASK’s commitment to community partnerships. 

“We’ve already started to work collaboratively with them (Arm and Arm), as well as with Capital Health as far as providing meals in areas of Trenton,” Jensen said.

Addressing concerns about cultural sensitivity, Paul stressed their dedication to accommodating diverse dietary needs. 

“We try to keep a good mix of different meals so everybody feels like there is something for them to eat,” he said.

Moreover, TASK remains committed to ongoing dialogue with community members to ensure that their dietary preferences and requirements are taken into account. 

“We welcome feedback from individuals and continuously strive to adapt our menu offerings to better meet the diverse needs of our community,” Jensen added, emphasizing the organization’s responsiveness to feedback and commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

The food truck launched March 18. It represents a significant step forward in TASK’s mission to combat food insecurity and serve the Trenton community more effectively. With dedicated individuals like Jensen and Gatto at the helm, the initiative promises to make a tangible impact on the lives of those in need.

“Food is comfort for all cultures, it brings families together,” Jensen concluded. 

 

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Food Insecure in the Garden State

By: Zion Lee

In 2020, America’s Health Rankings United Health Foundation reported that New Jersey was the third most food insecure state in the U.S. preceded by New Hampshire and Hawaii. Such disparity presented by the data is concerning as, despite New Jersey being reported as amongst the top three richest states in the U.S., a portion of its population is struggling with food insecurity. Food insecurity, lacking the ability to financially access food resources, is a major concern that has a widespread impact. Not only does food insecurity affect the basic needs of those affected, but many individuals will see an increase in risk for food insecurity. Food insecurity does not discriminate as those who are living below or above the poverty line and who are impacted by specific environmental conditions such as where individuals were born, live, work, and learn, factors known as social determinants, are all susceptible to the issue.

 This inequity must be addressed as obtaining one’s daily nutritional requirements is imperative to not only maintaining physical health, but also cognitive health as supported by the CDC. While food insecurity deals with food and hunger, there are other factors that can contribute and be exacerbated by food insecurity, including health and quality of life. The basic needs of individuals must be met in order to increase the quality of life and provide them with the time and ability to address the complexities of life such as maintaining a job, supporting ones’ family, enriching ones’ social life, and prevent serious debilitating medical issues that can lead to further complications as food insecurity prevails.

If you or someone you know is impacted by food insecurity in Mercer County, The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (72 Escher St, Trenton, NJ 08609),  Arm in Arm (123 E Hanover St, Trenton, NJ 08608), and various other sites in The Streetlight Resource Guide are able to help provide you with resources and food.  Together, we can work towards ensuring food security.  

Source Link: https://hungerandhealth.feedingamerica.org/understand-food-insecurity/

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The Pantry at Mercer County Community College

By: Hannah Keyes

The Pantry located at the Trenton campus of Mercer County Community College has been working to serve food insecure college students since opening in late 2019. The motivation for the creation of The Pantry has been the passion to combat the growing hunger problem seen on many college campuses including 

The mission statement of The Pantry is “to alleviate the barriers and challenges associated with food insecurity and hunger so that Mercer’s students can remain in school and, ultimately, earn their degrees.” Education is often seen as the main avenue to improving the quality of life for those who have grown up below the poverty line. However, the stressors associated with food insecurity can affect student success in many ways. Stressors such as money, grades, motivation, the capability to pay attention, and to balance school, work, and personal life can prove to be extraordinarily difficult. In the end, such factors can affect how long it takes for someone to obtain their degree. After all, the more time one spends in school, the more money they have to pay: debt being yet another obstacle in the way of improving one’s quality of life that would compound on top of being food insecure. Every year college education costs increase and students are forced to live on a hardly liveable budget. 

According to College & University Food Bank Alliance (CUFBA) 30% of college students are food insecure and 56% of food-insecure students are working. In a food access survey of 50 MCCC students, half said that they had gone hungry because they didn’t have money for food and 41% said they had qualified for state or federal food assistance programs. The COVID-19 pandemic has further worsened the issues for these college students. The Pantry at MCCC has taken steps to try to best address this issue and help their students. They encourage students to check their eligibility for food assistance through New Jersey’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is a federal program that can help individuals and families with low incomes buy the groceries they need to eat healthily. 

The Pantry is working to help students as much as possible through its food distribution. According to an article from the MCCC school newspaper, The VOICE, MCCC student, Jennifer Famularo, who had received help through the food pantry said, “when times were rough, the college was able to provide some food so I could continue to study.” 

The Pantry is located on the James Kerney Campus in room KC403. It is open Monday–Thursday 10:00 am–3:00 pm during the fall and spring semesters of college operations. To contact The Pantry, send an email to foodpantry@mccc.edu. If you are not an MCCC student but still need access to food, The Pantry offers a listing of local food sources here. The MCCC Pantry is always looking for donations, please use this link to donate

 

News

College Opens Innovative Food Pantry in Ewing Township

Editor’s Note: Last winter, The Streetlight reported that a food pantry was in the works for The College of New Jersey. In the time since, the facility has opened its doors.

By Hannah Keyes and Brie Wells

The SHOP @ TCNJ is not the typical shopping destination for most college students, but for many, it provides resources needed to get through the week.

Located at The College of New Jersey’s (TCNJ) Campus Town in Ewing Township, The SHOP is a food pantry that provides resources to those who may be experiencing food insecurity. The SHOP offers many different resources such as canned goods, hygiene products, some clothing items, microwavable meals, bottled water, feminine care products, fruits, grains, and vegetables. The SHOP also offers vegetarian and gluten free products for those who may have other dietary concerns.

It is open not only to college students, but also to faculty and general community members who may be in need. There are no questions asked.

Alana Adams, the College Enhancement Intern for The SHOP, mentioned that “food insecurity impacts nearly 40% of college students nationwide, so there should be no shame associated with utilizing the resources your campus or community provides.”

However, there is often a negative preconceived notion surrounding the use of a food pantry and seeking help.

“We don’t know what you’re going through, but we are here to support you in the best way that we can. We want to have an experience with you. We want to provide a welcoming, comforting, inclusive, and safe environment where you are seen as a person,” emphasized AmeriCorps member and TCNJ Garden and Food Security program assistant Horacio Hernandez.

TCNJ students in Mercer County are the catalysts that brought light to the situation that many members of the community face everyday. The inception of The SHOP began when concerned students asked for referrals or file requests to provide emergency aid to those struggling to eat constantly or to find adequate housing. This need became especially apparent during extended school breaks.

“TCNJ has a Student Emergency Fund, which students can apply and receive limited funding for temporary housing or food. With the help of other organizations, the Dean of Students Office launched the SHOP in February 2019, which serves as a more long-term solution to students in need, where they can receive food and other supplies on a weekly basis,” Adams added.

The building space that The SHOP occupies was offered by the chief of TCNJ’s Campus Police and allowed for everything to officially get started.

In order to support the surrounding communities, The SHOP works in conjunction with Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, TCNJ Student and Academic Affairs, and TCNJ Campus Police. According to the Program Associate of the Adult Hunger Programs at Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, Pamela Sims Jones, “The Food Bank is here to support The SHOP with non-perishable and perishable commodities as needed so that The SHOP can continue to support the TCNJ community members who may be food insecure.”

With the aid of Mercer Street Friends Food Bank and the rest of their partners, The SHOP hopes to be able to provide resources to those who do not have access to food and to help end the stigma surrounding asking for help. In the future The SHOP not only wants to provide basic necessities but to also give additional support for various aspects of life.

Donations and offered help are always accepted and valued by The SHOP. Recently there was a Greek Life food drive competition to see which Greek organization could donate the most food to The SHOP.

There are many additions that The SHOP hopes to add services as time goes on, such as extra training for staff members, more partnerships with other organizations, the ability to provide hot meals, and the list goes on. The SHOP has a lot in store for the future.