Tag Archives: Mercer County

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

Public Safety: Combating Violence Through Community Outreach in Mercer County

By Alexus Twyman

As an everyday issue, safety is often at the forefront of people’s minds, either while commuting to work or school. In Trenton, New Jersey, various nonprofits and community-led organizations are working to address some of the contributing factors of crime and strengthen community ties in the process.

An organization hoping to create positive change is the Trenton Community Street Team, which has a mission to provide “public
safety for the people by the people” through supporting local families to end cycles of abuse.

The Trenton Community Street Team, also known as TCST, uses a variety of intervention practices to provide crucial services for communities in need. A few of these services include allocating
resources for victims of violence, creating a safe school environment for children, and providing space for community members and local officials to discuss methods for addressing responses to conflict.

Other organizations that are working to find a solution to the root causes of crime include the Mercer County-based New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence, or NJCEDV, which focuses on creating a society “free from oppression, injustice, and violence,” according to its website.

Formed in 1980, originally under the name New Jersey’s Coalition for Battered Women, NJCEDV focuses on leading “collaborative community and systemic responses to domestic violence” through various initiatives to increase public awareness and provide support for survivors.

One initiative hosted by NJCEDV is the New Jersey Men of Courage Network, which has multiple branches in the northern, southern
and central regions of New Jersey.

The goal of the Men of Courage Network, as stated on its website, is to prevent domestic violence through unpacking patterns of toxic masculinity and “engag[ing] men and boys as allies” to end cy-
cles of abuse.

More recently in January, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora and the Trenton Police Department announced a 45% decline in homicides in January 2023.

Despite the decline in violent crime incidents, many questions remain regarding the most efficient way to curb crime throughout Trenton.

Since the death of George Floyd in May 2020, the involvement of law enforcement has come under scrutiny nationally due to accusations of racist policies and practices that occur in more segregated areas.

According to a 2021 Department of Justice Report, African Americans made up 33% of people arrested for non-fatal violent crime despite making up 13% of America’s total population.

These statistics may be explained through various systemic issues that can make people more prone to crime, such as poverty, familial relationships and unemployment.

Systemic factors are often underlooked when considering the reasons behind crime.

In more segregated and urban areas, law enforcement may be viewed as a source of contention due to the history of racial and economic discrimination. Differences in expectations of police can differ between communities.

According to the Council on Criminal Justice, a city located in a business district would be more likely to have a positive view of law enforcement compared to the residents of an urban neighborhood.

Differences in perceptions of police not only vary by economic standing but also by racial background. One example is the history of “stop-and-frisk,” a tactic commonly used to find potentially dangerous weapons. These searches are typically carried out in cities deemed high-crime neighborhoods that often have a higher proportion of people of color, the Associated Press reported.

Violence prevention groups, such as the New Jersey Men of Courage Network, strive to dismantle the structures in place that allow for domestic violence to occur. These programs aim to start a conversation and uplift unheard voices through providing a safe space for many in their local communities.

Not only can crime prevention initiatives help ensure safety in local communities, but they also serve to reinforce and improve community bonds.

News

Mobile Outreach Project: The Rescue Mission’s Van Offers Addiction Recovery Services

By Rebecca Heath

The Rescue Mission of Trenton — armed with a variety of resources and support from local non-profits — provides addiction recovery services through a mobile outreach initiative designed to meet people where they are.

The initiative supports individuals who are struggling with addiction in the Mercer County area, in partnership with Catholic Charities, Henry J. Austin Health Center and Iron Recovery & Wellness Center.

Staffed by peer recovery specialists, the van hits the road six days per week.

The specialists, some of whom have recovered from addiction or faced homelessness themselves, aim to build relationships, while serving as role models to individuals at all stages in their recovery.

The van primarily travels early in the morning to places where people experiencing homelessness tend to congregate.

Since its inception in 2022, the initiative has created a profound impact, and has grown to be an established and trusted resource
in underserved communities throughout the county.

According to The Mission, the initiative delivers coffee, food and clothing, dispenses Narcan kits, provides addiction treatment, ar-
ranges medical treatment and transports individuals in need of
housing assistance to The Shelter.

The Mission’s Behavioral Health Center, which is a state-licensed
treatment facility, offers both short-term and long-term support for individuals battling addiction, according to the organization’s website.

“With the vast capabilities of our unique partnerships, this outreach program is allowing us to provide what is needed, for individuals struggling with addiction — engaging this in their healing process,” said Barret Young, CEO of The Mission.

According to Chalia Perry, peer recovery specialist, the team aims to empower the individuals they serve through consistency and compassion.

“Showing up every single day, I think that plays a big part. … I’m
not in a fancy suit. I’m just me in rare form,” Perry said. “They take
me with all my aspects the same way I take them.”

For Perry, sharing her own experiences with homelessness allows her to develop trust and meaningful relationships with patrons.

“Where somebody else might shy away from them, from giving them a hug or saying hello, we’re there,” Perry said. “This is not just my job,
this is my family. This is what we get up for every day.”

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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Upcoming Free Events to Enjoy in the Mercer County Area

By Giada Schwam

There are many events in Mercer County that are free or little to no cost for participants. Below are a list of a few events ranging from therapy sessions to community booths that are of no charge for all who attend.

  • Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Trenton Twist at Downtown Trenton hosts an all-day shopping and cuisine event. From various ethnic foods to different local works of art, all who attend have the opportunity to experience the local culture of Trenton. A mix of games, arts, books and food are all available at Downtown Trenton. Various local artists ranging from fashion to novelists are sharing their work at these events. Contact 609-577-1173 for more information.
  • Terhune Orchards Winery is hosting a recurring “Weekend Music Series” each week on Saturday and Sunday until March 30, 2025. The event, held at 30 Cold Soil Road, Princeton, New Jersey, takes place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. In cool weather, seating is inside the wine barn with fire pits. Attendees of all ages can enjoy s’mores, hot cocoa kits and tasting flights. Local artists perform live music from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with styles ranging from Jazz and Blues to Folk and Rock. In addition to music, Terhune Orchards Winery will host trivia on Feb. 7 and March 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Attendees will test their knowledge, have fun and win prizes with DJ Iron Mike. Categories will include entertainment, history & geography, sports, and “Name That Tune.” More information can be found at https://www.terhuneorchards.com/winery-events/.
  • Every Monday at 7 p.m., the SMART recovery program hosts a group meeting at the Peer Recovery Center at 3525 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 903, Hamilton, New Jersey. The Self-Management and Recovery Training program aids those struggling with addiction and strives to build a better life. These recovery programs help people cultivate motivation, cope with unwanted urges, work through emotions and live healthier. They also host a variety of other events, such as yoga, meditation and Qi Gong. Check out their website, https://meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/7691/ for more information about their events and programs.
  • Every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., the Creative Change Counseling Inc. hosts a LGBTQ+ Alcoholics Anonymous Recovery Spectrum meeting at 325 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 908, Hamilton. These events will have the same premise of AA, where people will share their experiences and plans for recovery. These group recovery sessions are geared towards LGBTQ+ individuals, but all are welcome.
  • The Mercer County Library System hosts free events for the community daily at each of their branch locations. Events include storytime, painting, music, board games, free play and babytime. In addition to events designed for children and families, the libraries host events curtailed to adults, such as introductory technology courses. Adult courses include accessing telehealth appointments, navigating Google Workspace, guided meditation and learning English. Teen courses range from crocheting to playing chess. Due to limited space, registration is required in advance in order to attend. Head to https://mercercounty.libcal.com/ for more information or to register for an event.
  • Every Monday at 8 p.m., the Creative Change Counseling Inc. hosts a peer recovery program for first responders. Located at 3525 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 903, Hamilton, New Jersey, Neil Tucker hosts a group session for first responders. Anyone can attend in-person or on Zoom to share their experiences and support for other first responders.
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Bridging Gaps in Healthcare Accessibility: A Spotlight on Capital Health’s Community-Centric Approach

By Tanzim Didar 

Healthcare is a fundamental need; however, there are many inequities within the system. Almost 13 million people say they know a friend or family member who has died because they couldn’t afford care, according to CBS News.

According to HUD Archives: News Releases, on a single night in January 2020, 580,466 people, about 18 out of every 10,000 people, experienced homelessness across the U.S. — a 2.2% increase from 2019. 

Much of healthcare in the U.S. is not affordable and thus not given equally. However, there are many nonprofit clinics that are dedicated to addressing these disparities.

Katherine Stier, director of marketing and public relations for Capital Health, a nonprofit hospital located in east Trenton among other locations, shared her insights on nonprofits and how they help the community.

Capital Health’s main hospital, which is a level two trauma center, is located on Brunswick avenue in Trenton. They have an additional hospital in Hopewell, which is located across the street from the Trenton airport. 

“I handle the community education events at Capital Health,” Stier said. “I’ve been here for about seven years and Capital Health has been in Trenton for 50 to 80 years.”

Stier, who has worked in healthcare for 25 years, said 90% of hospitals are for profit. 

“As a nonprofit, we don’t really make money,” Stier said. “We always try to take in medicare and medicaid patients, because everyone has a right to care. We also have balance because there are people who have healthcare insurance and they pay, but when you walk into our emergency department, some individuals don’t have health insurance, so we work with individuals to tighten up on a paying system or government substance.”

Stier said Capital Health implements initiatives that helps sure each individual patient is receiving the care they need.

“All in all, we take care of everybody,” she said. “Some hospitals only take some kind of insurance or payers, letting them decide who they can take in or not, but we do not do that here.”

Given the demographics of Trenton, a lot of individuals do not have health insurance or may not be citizens, and are afraid to go to the hospital, so Capital Health tries to take care of many individuals and make them feel comfortable. 

“We also have a mother baby clinic where we take care of people, so there are a lot of different events and care given,” Stier said. “We run a food pantry every week through Arm and Arm and we go to different sites and hand out food. We are really involved in Trenton beauce the CEO is all about Trenton and the community. He feels that with the healthcare system, it’s really our basic goal to be the center of the city because if you’re healthy, you don’t need to go to our ER. We want to keep everyone healthy.”

Since its establishment, Capital Health’s mission statement has never changed. They have always been committed to serving the city of Trenton. 

“I’ve always been in healthcare,” she explained. “So, I started off at a children’s hospital, where 93% of every dollar went towards patient care, so patients don’t need insurance. I would see some of these children come in who were paralyzed and missing a limb, and they would leave with a prosthetic arm, leg at no cost and or even get back surgery, basically things that would help them live their life at a better quality.”

“For me, it’s always been an involved process,” Stier added.”I just see the good there is. The facility is always making sure individuals are fed and getting free screening they need. Some of our doctors are the most compassionate people I have ever met in my life. They give so much of their time and energy to work these free screenings, give lectures and make sure everyone receives what they need. If I can just tell their stories, then I have done my job.” 

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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. 

 

News

Mercer County Library System provides free books to children in the community

By Neyssa Deriphonse

The Mercer County Library System is investing in future generations of their community as they provide free books and other assistance to youth.

Eboni Love, a supervising library assistant for the Youth Services Department at the Trenton Free Public Library, said they organize literature events, free book drives, stem projects and crafts, as well as host a variety of summer camps and after school programs. They also have computers and tablets for the children to use.

Although the library receives large donations, Love aims to purchase over ten thousand books for the Trenton community.

“First, I would distribute them to the daycares that I partner with, so each of the babies get two to three books to take home with them,” Love said.

The Trenton librarians also distribute books during community events and while hosting book fairs. Though they would “carry around two hundred to three hundred books” for those events, their goal is to provide more books to the community.

Why is there such a large push to provide books to the youth?

Love emphasized that those books “promote literacy at home, make reading normal, especially when there’s different books being read to them which are readily available at home.” She added that the books help children with reading comprehension, particularly when they match their interests, which makes them more willing to read.

Despite all these efforts, there are some lurking obstacles that prevent children from fully benefiting from those resources. Love explained that the lack of transportation can prevent parents from obtaining books for their children.

“Our obstacle that we face with getting the books out to the community is that numerous parents do not have transportation and we only have one library here in [Trenton],” she said. “So, if two or three people that are in my department cannot get out into the community to share the books, there’s no other way for these parents to get these resources that we have to offer.”

Though many people take advantage of the book fairs, Love said they could have reached many more if some parents had the means of transportation to get to their central location.

Parents being illiterate or lacking the time to read to their children are also barriers.

“You could work with your child at whatever level you are at because there’s always a book that could cater to whatever reading level that you’re on,” Love said.

She offered other options such as traditional audiobooks, DVD books and Youtube audiobooks.

“Even if you are not reading to the kids, other people reading to them are just as effective,” she said.

Regardless of the method, Love advised parents to read to their children whenever possible during the day.

“Even during a nap time or when you are cooking, read to them,” she said.

“At least try to make time, even if it is short, you do not have to spend thirty to forty minutes a day on literature. You could definitely read a five-minute quick book and it is still just as effective.”

To stress the importance of reading, Love shared her favorite quote by Dr. Seuss.

“The more that you read, the more things you’ll know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”