Most commonly associated with Valentine’s Day, the month of February also serves as National Canned Food Month. What better way to share love, then by taking the time to donate canned goods to charity; your local shelters and food banks. Donating your time at a shelter, grocery shopping for food to give, or simply spreading the message, all help raise awareness toward the greater good, the fight against hunger. From canned soups, fruits and vegetables, no donation is too small and will unquestionably be put to good use. Providing food assistance not only helps those less fortunate, but it can serve as a gratifying and rewarding experience for you, the donor. To see where in Hudson County you can donate, check out our list:
Hoboken Shelter – Hoboken
Hoboken Shelter, located at 300 Bloomfield Street, accepts donations 9am-9pm Monday through Sunday. Aside from canned foods, they will also accept toiletries, supplies, and some clothing. (Please check their website for the full list) They provide freshly cooked meals in their soup kitchen every night and hot lunches on weekdays. They also offer browned bagged sandwiches for their shelter guests to take with them during the day. You can donate premade sandwiches or you can volunteer to make and wrap them before they’re given out.
St Paul Lutheran Church, The Sharing Place Food Pantry – Jersey City
On the last two Saturdays of every month, The Sharing Place, located at 440 Hoboken Avenue, offers ready-made meals and fully stocked grocery bags to people in need. You can donate items to the food pantry, volunteer to distribute goods, prepare meals, or unload supply trucks. Contact James Nelson, the executive director, for more information on how to help.
Palisades Emergency Residence Corporation (PERC Shelter) – Union City
PERC Shelter and soup kitchen is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, year round. Although located at 111 37th Street in Union City, they are open to all individuals and families of Hudson County. If you’re considered eligible, their food pantry distributes groceries Wednesdays from 1pm-3pm to low-income households. They accept donations such as clothing, bedding, kitchen supplies, and food items. You can also purchase items from their Amazon wishlist which are shipped directly to the shelter.
The Old Bergen Church – Jersey City
At 1 Highland Avenue, The Old Bergen Church offers a food pantry which is open the last Saturday of every month. They hand out bags of groceries to those with participating agency referrals from 9am-12pm. They also accept daily donations. Contact the church office for volunteer information or to find out what items are most needed during National Canned Food Month.
Woodcliff Community Reformed Church – North Bergen
Providing a food pantry every second and fourth Saturday of the month, Woodcliff Community Reformed Church hands out groceries to families and individuals who are in need of assistance. They are also open every Saturday from 11:30am-2pm, serving lunch. Items to donate include canned foods, blankets, and socks, and you can contact the church, located at 7605 Palisade Ave, for volunteer opportunities.
About the Author/s
Abby is The Digest's Managing Editor. She spends her time looking at dogs on Instagram and eating her way around Jersey City.
