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!
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- 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
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- 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:
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
July 9 and 23
August 13 and 27
September 10 and 24
October 8 and 22
November 5 and 19 (NOTE: 1st & 3rd Saturday)
December 3 and 17 (NOTE: 1st & 3rd Saturday)
QUESTIONS or to VOLUNTEER:
Please email: OLSPantry@gmail.com or call: (973) 370-0458.