About
In early 1998, leaders in Rutherford began to meet to examine what could be done to better care for those in our community who are in need of the basic necessities of life. A centralized pantry in our community with easy access and set hours of operation was considered the best way to be a greater benefit to those in need of assistance than what was in place at the time.
Because of this shared vision and concern of the Rutherford clergy, the borough’s social services department, and other Rutherford community organizations, we are grateful to report that the Rutherford Community Pantry was created and has had a borough presence ever since.
The Rutherford Community Pantry, Inc., is a nonprofit 501(c) organization that meets emergency and ongoing needs for food and personal hygiene items for citizens of Rutherford and members of Rutherford and other local religious institutions who are referred by an approved agency.
Each month, a pantry “needs list” is compiled by the board and its volunteers in an effort to direct donations to the immediate areas of need. We are the only food pantry functioning in Rutherford, and also serve residents of nearby towns that do not have their own pantries. Donations of food or personal hygiene items may be dropped off at the pantry during the hours of operation or left outside the pantry on designated shelves.
We also gratefully accept tax-deductible monetary donations payable to
Rutherford Community Pantry, Inc., and to
Rutherford Community Pantry, 176 Park Avenue, Rutherford, NJ 07070.
The Rutherford Community Pantry is a joint effort of community faith congregations, organizations, and concerned citizens. We are 100% volunteer-supported and have no paid staff members. In total, we have roughly 40 volunteers who help to operate the pantry, along with our 11 board members and our borough liaison, the Rutherford Department of Social Services director. Our motto is “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”, and we firmly believe that without the great efforts of our volunteers and donors, the pantry wouldn’t be what it is today.
Board of DIrectors
President
Maureen Bigley
Vice President
Kim Bogosian
Treasurer
Jane Tarantino
Secretary
Tom Stabile
Board Members
Barbara Pilarcek
Lisa Rangel
Charlene Mariano
Carolyn Smith
David Fogarty
Dana Monaghan
Linda Lanz