Whole dinners served up families in need

SPARTA — Associates from the ShopRite of Newton assisted Janice Ernsting, Food Pantry Administrator at the First Presbyterian Church of Sparta, distribute complete ham and turkey dinners to families needing assistance with providing for their families.

RoNetco Supermarkets, operators of ShopRite stores in northwest New Jersey donated 500 dinners valued at $49.99 each to six independent food pantries/shelters in an effort to supplement monthly food allowances feeding organizations make available to needy residents. Although once considered an emergency site, the First Presbyterian Church of Sparta now regularly serves from 600 to 800 individuals (250-350 families) per month with non-perishable groceries, a substantial increase from previous years. According to Ernsting, 45 percent of those she serves are under 18 years of age. A family of four or more will receive two bags of groceries per month; and a family of three or less will receive one bag per month. The spike in fuel costs continues to adversely affect families in being able to adequately provide for their loved ones without help from local non-profit organizations. When money is tight and bills are plentiful, requests for food soar; sometimes beyond the ability of organizations to provide, although no one is ever turned away.

The Cchurch receives the majority of their food thru NORWESCAP Food Bank and although they may order in excess of 180 cases of food every other week, there is no guarantee that all requests can be satisfied, as the need is equally as dire from other pantries, feeding organizations and shelters who look to NORWESCAP to replenish food supplies for local residents. Donations to the pantry can be made by calling the Church at 973-729-6197.