Jo Ann Hands, a volunteer from JCP&L, lends a hand at Mercy Center’s Thanksgiving meal distribution.
As the rising cost for groceries continues to impact area families and individuals in need, Asbury Park-based Mercy Center is providing relief with a special Thanksgiving food distribution that runs through 1 p.m. Nov. 27.
Last week, a steady stream of local residents lined up at Mercy Center’s food pantry on Main Street to receive turkeys and all the fixings for a full holiday meal, including fresh produce, boxes of stuffing, canned goods, and desserts. By Friday afternoon, the pantry had shared holiday cheer with more than 1,400 people facing economic hardship.
Among the recipients at the Thanksgiving distribution were Asbury Park residents Julissa Regalado, her boyfriend Javier Lopez, and their 1-year-old son. Regalado’s eyes lit up when a truck filled with desserts arrived. She picked a pumpkin pie to complete the holiday meal for her young family.
“This is a great resource for people who can’t afford groceries,” said Lopez, 25, recalling when his mom used to visit the pantry to help feed his seven siblings.
“For families having to make tough choices between paying rent and putting food on the table, we’re happy to offer much-needed relief and hope during the holiday season and throughout the year,” said Mercy Center’s Executive Director Kim Guadagno.
The pantry has seen a staggering increase in area families struggling with food insecurity, Guadagno said. In 2023, the charity provided 1.6 million meals to 95,000 people, up from 35,000 people served in 2022. This year, the number is expected to balloon to over 100,000 people.
Scores of volunteers are contributing to the holiday meal distribution, handing out turkeys, keeping the pantry shelves stocked and serving hot chocolate to clients. “We’re so thankful for our dedicated volunteers,” said Tracy Wilson, manager of the food pantry. “Their care and respect for our clients reflect the community spirit that helps sustain our work,” she said.
Mercy Center’s ongoing commitment to fighting food insecurity is rooted in its mission to end generational poverty in the Asbury Park region. In addition to the food pantry, open five days a week, Mercy Center offers vital social services and tuition-free education for girls in grades 4-8 at Sisters Academy of New Jersey.
