Isiah Christie 
Multiple organized centers are accepting donations this holiday season, providing a meaningful way for communities to support one another. Recently, the City of Asbury Park has released a list of food pantries along the Jersey Shore that help those in need. Keep reading to learn about free food pantries at the Jersey Shore and how you can get involved.
Asbury Park
Mercy Center | 106 Main Street at Third Avenue
Monday to Friday | 8:30AM–12:30PM + 1:30PM–3:30PM
1st Monday of the Month | 8:30AM–7PM
Mercy Center strives to alleviate poverty in the Greater Asbury Park area and is open on weekdays to support that goal. The center will also have extended hours on the first Monday of each month.
Phone: 732-774-9397
Greater Emmanuel Food Pantry | 423 Drummond Avenue
Every Second Tuesday | 11AM–2PM
Greater Emmanuel Food Pantry is part of Fulfill NJ’s network of food pantries, offering free groceries to visitors. Calling in advance and providing two photo IDs are required to receive items.
Phone: 732-774-1963
Jewish Family Services Pantry | 705 Summerfield Avenue (between Main & Bond)
Friday | 7:30AM
Programs from the Jewish Family and Children’s Service (JFCS) of Monmouth County provide food assistance to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Food is served on a first-come, first-served basis, and the pantry remains open until supplies run out. Each person receives one bag of fresh items, including eggs, meat and fish, and fruits and vegetables.
Phone: 732-774-6886
Oceans Family Success Center | 1004 Comstock Street
Tuesday | 4:30PM–6PM
Oceans Family Success Center (FSC) provides an environment that empowers individuals and families in the community. Visitors will receive items such as eggs, butter, frozen meat, and canned goods.
Phone: 732-455-5272
Salvation Army Pantry | 605 Asbury Avenue (between Main + Memorial)
Thursday | 9AM–11AM
Salvation Army’s food pantry will be open weekly, with the option for clients to select what items they need or desire.
Phone: 732-455-5272
St. Peter Claver Pantry | 1419 Springwood Avenue at Ridge Avenue
Thursday | 10AM–1PM
St. Peter Claver Pantry will offer groceries on Thursdays to visitors in need. Identification is required to receive items.
Phone: 732-775-4157
Trinity Episcopal Church Pantry | 503 Asbury Avenue at Grand Avenue
Thursday | 11AM–1PM
Saturday | 9:30AM–2:30PM
Trinity Episcopal Church operates a food pantry and a Saturday soup kitchen that serves organic food to guests.
Phone: 732-775-5084
United Fellowship Baptist Church Pantry | 603 Third Avenue
Second and Fourth Saturdays of the Month | 9:30AM–11:30AM
United Fellowship Baptist Church is offering food on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month in partnership with Fulfill NJ.
Phone : 732-774-5393
Local Areas
Bradley Food Pantry | 101 3rd Avenue, Neptune City
Monday to Saturday | 10AM–12PM
Tuesday + Thursday Evenings | 6PM–7PM
Bradley Food Pantry operates with a “client-choice” style, where food is displayed openly and allows patrons to select what they need for their families. They gather their resources from partnerships, local supermarkets, restaurateurs, farms, and volunteers.
Phone: 732-977-3606
Belmar Food Pantry | 1000 17th Avenue, Belmar
Tuesday | 10AM–12PM
Thursday | 10AM–12PM
Belmar Food Pantry serves families and individuals in need with a wide variety of grocery items and general household utilities.
Phone: 732-681-4113
Little Free Pantry – Neptune | 1220 11th Avenue, Neptune
This 24-hour pantry is a community-run effort. Little Free Pantries are a nationwide effort similar to Little Free Libraries, where neighbors can take what they need, or donate what they can.
Jersey Shore Dream Center Mobile Pantry | Mobile, Neptune Township
Thursday + Friday | Deliveries by phone request
Jersey Shore Dream Center delivers items by request through a call. With a focus on aiding all members of the at-risk community, including those without reliable access to transportation, the center delivers groceries directly to its patrons.
Phonet: 877-391-5732
Saint Paul’s Methodist Church Pantry | 80 Embury Avenue (between Pennsylvania + New York Avenue), Neptune Township
Thursday | 2:45PM–4:45PM
Phonet: 732-775-1125
For the full list, see here.
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