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
    • 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:

2023

January 14 and 28

February 11 and 25

March 11 and 25

April 8 and 22

May 13 and 27

June 10 and 24

July 8 and 22

August 12 and 26

September 9 and 23

October 14 and 28

November TBD

December TBD


QUESTIONS or to VOLUNTEER: 

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