COVID-19 Response FAQ

Important: Please do not visit the IFP if you or anyone in your home is ill or symptomatic. 
If you have an urgent situation, please call the office. Due to the order of the closure of all state and county parks and forests in NJ, to access The Interfaith Food Pantry you must enter from Gov. Chris Christie Dr. from W. Hanover Ave. WE ARE OPEN!

We have been receiving many phone calls and emails with questions regarding our response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 crisis. Please see the following FAQ’s for the status of our programs, how you can help, and how people can get help.

Are you still open for food distribution? Yes. If you are a current client your regular distribution time will not change. At this time Client Choice is suspended for your safety and ours. You will be asked to wait outside and will receive prepackaged bags. Evening distribution is NOT currently affected by the current 8:00 pm curfew for the state of NJ.


I am not a current client, but I am in need of food. How can I get help? Please contact our office at 973-538-8049. We have emergency food available to anyone who needs it. Note: We do not have paper goods or cleaning supplies available at this time.


I’m a Home Delivery client, will I still get food delivered? Our Home Delivery program will continue as normal. We have had a few Home Delivery volunteers who are unable to deliver at this time, so you may find someone new is delivering your food. Whoever that person is may leave food at your door, on your porch or take other measures to minimize contact. Please maintain a safe distance and absolutely attempt no physical contact with your volunteer.


Is the Mobile Pantry still operating with Network Members and Emergency Providers? Yes. We are taking proper precautions but still making regular deliveries to the Senior Housing Units, Offices of Temporary Assistance, County Operated Nutrition Sites and Partner Food Pantries.

How Can I Help? Monetary Donations: At this time monetary donations are especially appreciated and much needed! Cash enables us to purchase critical food items and react quickly during this unpredictable time, while limiting contact for your safety and ours.


How can I donate money? Online via our website, text ‘hunger’ to 26-989, or mail a check to Interfaith Food Pantry, 2 Executive Drive, Morris Plains, NJ 07950. Another option is Facebook or third-party Fundraisers. They are a great way to give back and engage your friends, family and associates in helping our community.


Are you accepting food donations? Yes, we are currently accepting food donations. For small donations there will be a large orange bin located outside of the warehouse. You can drop off your donations in the bin from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm. Please do not leave food outside the door after hours. Our most needed items can be found on our website. 


My group would like to conduct or has conducted a food drive. Can I drop it off? If you have recently run a food drive and have a large amount of food to donate, please call ahead 973-538-8049. Speak to Val ext. 215, or Meg ext. 217 for drop off instructions.

Do you need volunteers? 
At this time, we are not bringing in any new volunteers. Access to the Pantry is limited to essential staff and volunteers who are not at-risk, symptom-free and whose household members are also free of health complications, illness or symptoms. 
In lieu of volunteering, now more than ever we are asking people to spread the word that we need donations. Consider sending an email to your friends and family asking them to donate at www.mcifp.org, text ‘hunger’ to 26-989, or start a Facebook Fundraiser on our behalf. 


Will the Spring Gala go on as planned? Our Spring Gala, Scheduled for Friday April 17th will need to be postponed. Our Board of Trustees will meet later this week to discuss alternate plans. Please stay tuned for details.


Will the Giving Tree Ceremony go on as planned? The 2019 Giving Tree Ceremony has also been postponed. Please stay tuned for a future date.

Click Here for Additional Resources

From the Executive Director:


Friends,


These are truly difficult times for the thousands of people across Morris County who live with food insecurity. Even for those who can access supermarkets inventory is limited. For others, we are all they have. We are seeing an unprecedented number of new requests, and predict the situation will get worse before it gets better. 
Yet we are also seeing an outpouring of compassion from people who want to help by donating funds, food and volunteer time. Please know how much we truly appreciate your generosity. Our community has an incredible way of coming together and truly demonstrating the spirit of “neighbors helping neighbors”. All of us at the Interfaith Food Pantry are extremely grateful for your understanding and support. We couldn’t do it without you! 


Warmly,


Carolyn