What We Do

The Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry Inc. was founded in 1983 to provide food to needy families in the Northern Bayshore Area of Monmouth County which includes Keyport, Union Beach, Matawan, Marlboro, Port Monmouth, Hazlet, Cliffwood Beach, West Keansburg, Aberdeen and Cliffwood. The founder of the pantry, O.O. John Reed, saw a need within the communities and started providing the services to a small group of families. By 1992 the number had grown to twenty (20) families and today the pantry provides food, clothing and other items to 98-100 families a month.

The pantry currently provides their services out of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church located at 10 E. Front Street in Keyport. The number of clients served has risen substantially in recent years and therefore the pantry has outgrown this facility.  We are currently pursuing grants and initiated a building campaign requesting donations from Organizations, Businesses and Individuals in hopes of obtaining a permanent location in Keyport.  Our hope is to remain in Keyport since it is easily accessible to the clients we serve. 

The pantry is a member of the Food Bank of Monmouth/Ocean Counties and receives food from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) via the food bank. In order to provide additional items to our clients the pantry receives generous donations of both food and/or money from the original nine (9) churches that make up the Ministerium, Other churches, Civic Organizations, Businesses, Schools, Boy Scouts, U.S. Postal Service and Individual Donors. 

All clients are screened by the management staff (all unpaid volunteers) and are requested to present certain documents to ensure that they qualify for pantry assistance.  In addition to providing food, clothing, and gifts (Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas - for children) the staff helps to locate services for those in need.  We have knowledge of, or gather information on Veteran Affairs, Elder Care, Food Stamps, Unemployment, etc. We provide our clients with a list of referrals to both government and private agencies.  The client can review the list of referrals and contact the appropriate agency(s) that would meet their specific needs.  We also have staff members that are fluent in Spanish and are able to assist our Spanish clientele. 

Regardless of our client’s situation they are all treated with courtesy and respect.  When they walk through our doors they are greeted with a reassuring smile which makes them feel welcomed, know that they are not alone and that we are here to help.  At times they need to talk about their problems and although we may not be able to resolve it we still listen.  They are all very grateful for the services we provide to them and also for just being there when they need a shoulder to lean on during their difficult times.

If you have any questions the pantry can be reached on 732-888-1986 during our hours of operation, every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30AM.

 

Copyright ©  2009-2010 Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry, all rights reserved