New Jersey food pantry in need of bigger space as service needs increase in area

BRADLEY BEACH, N.J. (PIX11) -- Matthew Petro spends three days a week helping feed families in his community. 

"The way I look at things, this is a place of God," said Petro while volunteering at Bradley Food Pantry. "This is a place where we serve God's people. I love the fact that I get to help people. Since being here, I've seen a lot of people that rely on this place." 

How much longer he and over a hundred other volunteers can do that is unclear. 

 The Bradley Food Pantry has served countless families spanning four decades. But as food insecurity spikes, people are counting on the pantry for their groceries more than ever.       

"Since the pandemic, our numbers have just exploded," said pantry trustee and volunteer Judy Staggard. 

Officials say before the pandemic, the pantry served about 35 families a day. Now, that number is anywhere between 80 and 100. 

"We've run out of space," said Staggard. 

Its future is in jeopardy if they do not find a larger space. They say they need to move out of the only place they have ever called home, St. James Episcopal Church, and buy or lease a bigger space with parking. 

"On days like today, our patrons can be inside in a warm area rather than standing outside, sometimes for an hour," said trustee and volunteer Lynne Pilger. 

The pantry has already raised $100,000, but to find a new home, they need more help. 

They are asking for your support.  

Donations to the pantry are tax deductible and can be made on their website. 

"Food insecurity needs to be helped," said Pilger. "That's what we're here for. We will continue this mission."