Located in Somerset County, Feeding Hands Food Pantry lives out its mission to care for the poor by loving and serving neighbors in need. Established in Somerville in May of 2014 within a 30-member church, Feeding Hands has blossomed into a vital resource for the community, profoundly impacting both those who receive aid and those who serve.
Feeding Hands’ strategy is centered around creating an organization of excellence that serves as a model for food pantry programs. Their approach goes beyond merely distributing food. It transforms lives. Feeding Hands encourages individuals to utilize their gifts to drive vibrant change inside and outside church walls by engaging the community.
At the core of Feeding Hands are its values of empathy, and connection. They treat every guest with dignity and compassion, ensuring each person feels valued. Understanding that poverty often extends beyond financial hardship, Feeding Hands creates opportunities for guests to connect spiritually and socially, fostering a sense of community and breaking the cycle of isolation. Lois Bennett, Executive Director and Founder of Feeding Hands shared, "We provide opportunity for our neighbors in need to connect at all these levels thereby providing a hand up rather than just a hand out."
Operating out of four food pantries in Hillsborough, Manville, Edison and Bernardsville, Feeding Hands serves over 220 families monthly, distributing nearly 10,000 pounds of meat, produce, and non-perishable goods. The pantry’s impact is far-reaching, aiding veterans, the working poor, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and the unemployed. The organization shares that about 40% of guests walk to the pantry, highlighting the critical role Feeding Hands plays in providing accessible support in one of America’s wealthiest counties.
Feeding Hands Food Pantry exemplifies the power of empathy and community spirit. By treating each guest with the care they would want for themselves, Feeding Hands fosters an atmosphere of respect and support, creating a ripple effect of positivity throughout the community.
For more information on how to get involved or to support their mission, visit their website www.feedinghandspantry.org.
"We provide opportunity for our neighbors in need to connect at all these levels thereby providing a hand up rather than just a hand out." - Lois Bennett, Executive Director and Founder of Feeding Hands