Pantries in need of food and support
by MELISSA L. GAFFNEY, Senior Staff Writer
Posted:01/23/09

“We’ll help, so long as I’ve got food coming in here,” said Isaiah G. Cooper, executive director of the Keyport Ministerium FoodPantry.

The KMFP is a non-profit organization that feeds more than 165 families throughout the Bayshore and Northern Monmouth County areas.

The FoodPantry has been serving the community for more than 20 years. It was founded during 1983 by John Reed, who retired as executive director during 2005.

Cooper, Associate Director Marjorie Conway and Registrar Maria Connors have more than 100 years of combined experience that runs a very worthy operation.

Opened two days a week to feed the hungry, the FoodPantry is open for donations all the time.

Conway said the number of people seeking food has more than doubled during the past few months. “We thought it would slow down after Christmas,” she said.

The need remains while the donations, on the other hand, have slowed down.

Conway said the pantry receives government goods in addition to regular monthly donations. “The donations outweigh the government,” she added.

There is one donor who gives $750 worth of goods every month, Conway noted. “They fill in with whatever we’re missing,” she explained. “We’re always missing something.”

The government provides things such as bags of rice, cans of juice and vegetables, frozen meats, beans and peanut butter. Additionally, the KMFP will spend approximately $1,000 a month on other necessities, including soup, eggs, corn, potatoes and macaroni.

Those who come to the FoodPantry on a Tuesday or Thursday receive two bags: one filled with food from the government and one stocked with additional items purchased by or donated to the KMFP.

Cooper, Conway and Connors are joined by at least 14 volunteers that all serve more than food: Their smiles light up the small kitchen and office with warmth and kindness.

Many have been volunteering for more years than some of pantry’s clients have been alive — Local Sarah Carman will be 94 years old next month.

Aside from making sure its shelves are stocked (which is enough of a challenge these days), the KMFP embarked on a building fund campaign during 2000.

Nearly 10 years later, the organization has collected more than $70,000, Cooper said. The funds will be used to build a new, 5000-square-foot facility, he explained.

Cooper said the organization is actively seeking grants and other support, too, and will be in contention for major grants when the collection reaches $100,000.

However, the most important thing for the FoodPantry has always remained its mission, Cooper said. “These are your neighbors, friends and relatives [that need food],” he explained. “It’s through no fault of their own that they’re down on their luck, especially during these times.”

Cooper said it all stems back to humanity and philanthropy, which is exactly what Reed had in mind when he founded the KMFP years ago.

“Today it’s them [that need food],” Cooper concluded. “Tomorrow it could be you.”

To learn more about the Keyport Ministerium FoodPantry or to make a monetary donation, visit their user-friendly Web site at www.keyportfoodpantry.org.
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