Feeding the hungry in Sussex County
Where there is help and how to provide help, By Jennifer Jean Miller “Do I pay the rent or do I eat?” This is one of the questions facing some of Sussex County’s residents who are braving through the country’s challenging economic climate, as they work diligently to make ends meet. Director of Sussex County’s Division of Social Services, Carol Novrit, said many residents who are bringing groceries home from the Sussex County Food Locker in the social services’ office, are working people, some juggling more than one job. “It’s important no one is hungry,” Novrit said. She encourages all residents who are seeking assistance of some type, whether with food, food stamps, rent, utilities, housing, homelessness prevention, health, health insurance coverage for children, work, legal and much more, to contact their office for further assistance and program referrals. A social worker will sit down with a client for assessment and to determine their needs. The social worker then guides the client down the paths that will offer the best solutions for their situation. For food, clients can come to the Sussex County Food Locker between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the food pantry will also assist on an emergency basis. Nearly 6,000 pounds of food a month are depleted from the pantry. Novrit said she is grateful to area high schools, which have donated food, through the Champions for Charity drive campaign effort spearheaded by Freeholder Director Jeffrey Parrott. She also acknowledges the Blue Iris Café in Newton. “They have gone above and beyond to contribute.” The local eatery has donated bags of bread and collected food for the food locker. Additionally, Novrit said they have given away lunches to needy residents. There are 11 food pantries throughout the county, which help to feed area residents, and are drop-off points for food donations. Call in advance for the individual program details to receive or donate food. To reach Sussex County’s Division of Social Services, call 973-383-3600.
Public Food Pantries
Branchville United Methodist Church
8 Broad Street, Branchville
973-948-3749
Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 1 p,m,
Samaritan Inn
48 Wyker Road, Franklin
973-827-8911
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Bodhi Monastery Food Pantry
67 Lawrence Road, Lafayette
973-940-0711
Friday 9 to 10:30 a.m.
St. Francis de Sales
614 Route 517, Vernon
973-827-3248 Call in advance
Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sussex County Food Locker
Social Services
83 Spring Street, Newton
973-383-3600
Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Harvest Home Foods
338 Main Street, Ogdensburg
973-827-4076 Call in advance
Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Holy Counselor Lutheran Church
68 Sandhill Road, Sussex
973-827-5251 Call in advance
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Church of the Good Shephard
200 Route 23, Wantage
973-875-0919
Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Salvation Army
Sussex County Food Pantry
George Lanbance Lane, Franklin
973-827-2973 Call in advance
Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fourth Tuesday 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Lafayette Federated Church
180 Route 15, Lafayette
973-383-4461
Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sparta Presbyterian Food Pantry
32 Main Street, Sparta
973-729-6197
Monday and Friday 9 a.m. to noon
Wednesday 9 a.m. to nonn and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.