The Food Pantry at Our Lady of Sorrows

The OLS Food Pantry is a volunteer-led effort supported by the Parish. We currently serve 300-350 individuals/families twice a month. On food distribution days, each family in need is provided with a full bag of non-perishable grocery items (listed below) 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, 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 22 interfaith food pantries across Essex County.

Most Needed Items

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
    • Canned Fruit (in juice, not syrup)
    • Canned Vegetables (no or low salt; no corn please)
    • Mac & Cheese
    • Granola/Protein Bars and Individual Snacks


Daily Drop Off Hours for Food Donations

Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 217 Prospect Street

    • Monday-Friday: 9:30-4:00 – 4th Street entrance (lower Church – buzz to be let in)
    • Saturday: 8:00-6:00 – Church front vestibule
    • Sunday: 8:00-12:00 – Church front vestibule

Please do not leave food at the Rectory.

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/

 


Food Pantry Distribution Dates

Food will be distributed curbside on 4th Street on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month (except where noted), 8:00-10:00 am as follows:

2021

July 10 and 24

August 14 and 28

September 11 and 25

October 9 and 23

November 6 and 20 (NOTE: 1st and 3rd Saturday)

December 4 and 18 (NOTE: 1st and 3rd Saturday)

2022

January 8 and 22

February 12 and 26

March 12 and 26

April 9 and 23

May 14 and 28

June 11 and 25


QUESTIONS or to VOLUNTEER: 

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