HOWELL – Every week, volunteers open the doors of “The Helping Hand” Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Food Pantry to neighbors who need a little extra help putting food on the table.
Located at 434 Aldrich Road, The Helping Hand Food Pantry provides food and essential items to local individuals and families. The pantry is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and its mission extends far beyond providing groceries.
Congregation President Annette Maresca said the pantry has become an important source of support for those facing difficult times.
“We serve around 20 families a week, depending on the time of the month,” said Maresca, who has been involved with the pantry since its inception 15 years ago. “We’ve definitely seen the number of people using the pantry change over the years. In the beginning, we did have a few homeless people that we assisted, but as the economy shifted, we’ve seen more families come through. In the beginning, there were more older people, but now we have more people coming with young kids.”
In addition to year-round assistance, Prince of Peace sponsors several outreach programs to support local families. The church organizes a Back-to-School program, provides Thanksgiving baskets, and coordinates a Christmas Giving Tree initiative. Through partnerships with Howell Township Youth and Family Services, the Howell Chamber of Commerce, and the Howell Police Athletic League, gifts are provided to children in the community and congregation who might otherwise go without during the holiday season.
The Helping Hand Food Pantry itself has also been strengthened through community support. In August 2014, the facility received a major renovation as part of an Eagle Scout project. The pantry was rebuilt, new shelving was installed and painted, a new freezer was added, and a food drive collected more than 650 donated items.
Vicar Brandon Chornobroff said the pantry represents more than providing food; it is a way for the church and the community to come together to help neighbors in need.
“I just wish that local people knew that we’re here and accessible to everybody,” he said. “We don’t turn anyone away. It doesn’t matter if you’re a member or not, you can come. Pantries like this mean everything to the community. Some people out there are struggling to make ends meet, and we just want to help.”
Prince of Peace has also expanded its outreach by joining the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Ocean County, a coalition of congregations that works to support homeless families by providing temporary shelter, resources, and compassionate care as they transition to stable housing.
Residents who would like to support The Helping Hand Food Pantry can donate non-perishable food items or supermarket gift cards throughout the year.
“Most people are in specific need of paper products, toiletries, protein, Spam, tuna and other food and household items – typically things that cannot be purchased with NJ SNAP benefits,” said Maresca. “The people of Howell can help by making donations, and they do. They come out in numbers, especially around the holidays.”
Through food assistance, holiday programs, and partnerships that serve families in need, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church continues to offer hope and practical support to members of the Howell community.
For more information about “The Helping Hand” Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Food Pantry, or to learn how to donate or receive assistance, contact Prince of Peace Lutheran Church at 732-363-0732 or popchurch@optonline.net. Additional information about the church and its programs is available at princeofpeacehowellnj.org.
