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The center, some 40 years old, serves Montvale, Woodcliff Lake, and Park Ridge, said Kathy Bowen, who works as public assistance director for all three towns.
Some 60 people a month partake of the well-stocked shelves, she added. Each person is allowed to come every two weeks.
For the holidays, the numbers go up.
“We get 75 to 80 a month for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter,” Bowen said.
This year, some changes come with the new name.
For one thing, there are now 44 volunteers working the pantry, up from three.
Also, people are getting more dairy products.
“Every two weeks, we get an order of eggs and milk,” Bowen explained. “People go home with a gallon of milk and a dozen eggs.”
Previously, each guest got a half-dozen eggs.
“People weren’t taking the cake mixes because they didn’t have the eggs,” Bowen said. “Now that they have eggs, they all want a cake.”
So she’s stocking up. This week ACME has a-dollar-a-box sale, said Bowen, who shops for food using donated gift cards.
For the holidays, as usual, guests can expect lots of fresh foods, including vegetables and fruits, breads, pies.
They even get holiday-themed napkins.
The Tri-Boro Food Pantry is open 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. But those who are having a food emergency can call 201-573-9083.
Usually, the pantry is also stocked with diapers.
Those who wish to donate food can use the drop-off bins inside the Park Ridge and Montvale municipal buildings.
There are other forms of assistance for residents of the three towns, too, including the Local Assistance Board and Tri-Boro Family Care Fund. In all instances, call Bowen at (201)-307-0534.
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