The Food Pantry at Our Lady of Sorrows

The OLS Food Pantry is a volunteer-led effort supported by the Parish. We currently serve 200-300 families twice a month. On food distribution days, each family in need is provided with a full bag of non-perishable grocery items as well as fresh milk and produce. This is intended to supplement their food supply and alleviate food insecurity. To keep our pantry shelves stocked, we rely on the Community Food Bank of NJ, MEND, Catholic Charities and food and monetary donations from many individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations in South Orange, Maplewood and beyond.

The OLS Food Pantry is a member of MEND (Meeting Emergency Needs with Dignity), a support network of over 20 interfaith food pantries across Essex County.

Food Pantry Registration

The OLS Food Pantry will provide emergency one-time food assistance to any New Jersey resident. However, until further notice, we are only accepting new clients who live in South Orange and Maplewood. To register with the food pantry, please bring a current I.D. with proof of South Orange/Maplewood residence during pantry hours (listed below).

Food Donations

If you would like to donate food for our pantry, please consider the following list of items most needed. PLEASE do not donate food in glass jars, expired food, XL sizes, or home-portioned food. Thank you!

  •         Shelf-stable Milk (quart size)
  •         Peanut Butter & Jelly (regular sizes)
  •         Hot & Cold Cereals (no or low sugar)
  •         Pasta & Sauce
  •         Canned Tuna & Chicken
  •         Rice (1 lb. bags, brown, yellow, white)
  •         Canned Beans
  •         Granola/Protein Bars and Individual Snacks

Donations can be dropped off at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 217 Prospect Street, as follows:

        Monday-Friday: 9:30-4:00 – 4th Street entrance (lower Church)

        Saturday: 8:00-6:00 – Church front vestibule

        Sunday: 8:00-12:00 – Church front vestibule

Thank you for respecting these drop off times.

Monetary Donations

Checks payable to “OLS Food Pantry” mailed to the address above, or online at https://olschurch.com/parish-giving/

To Volunteer

Pantry volunteers are solicited via email using Sign-Up-Genius. To be a recipient of these emails, please send your name, phone # and email to olspantry@gmail.com. 

Food Pantry Distribution

Food is distributed in the lower church at Our Lady of Sorrows on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. Doors open at 8:00 am and close at 10:00 am. Patrons should arrive no later than 9:45 to ensure entry.

2024 Dates

October 12 and 26

November 9 and 23

December 14 and 28

2025 Dates

January 11 and 25

February 8 and 22

March 8 and 22

April 12 and 26

May 10 and 24

June 14 and 28

Questions?

Please email:  OLSPantry@gmail.com or call: (973) 370-0458