The Food Pantry services 65–100 families every Wednesday morning.
Food pantries are a necessity to the people who depend on them. The Burlington Township Food Pantry has been providing families food since 2008.
However, the summer months could see fewer donations to the pantry, which could mean many empty stomachs.
Domenic Zulla, director of the Burlington Township Food Pantry, has been helping since it opened. Prior to that, Zulla worked with the pantry in Burlington City since 2002.
“We get half of our donations in the summer, so we really rely on our government to help us keep going,” Zulla said. “Other than the donations from the government, we also get help from the South Jersey Food Bank, the local Boy Scouts and from yearly food drives. Our biggest food needs are proteins, pasta, tomato sauce and jelly.”
The food pantry is located in the Burlington Center Mall and serves the public from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Wednesday. Under Zulla’s leadership and direction, the pantry has 10 board members with 10–12 additional volunteers to help serve food every week. Even with its current staff, Zulla says more help always is needed.
“Every third Monday of the month, we receive 10,000–12,000 pounds of food delivered, so we can always use help unloading that new shipment,” Zulla said. “We service anywhere from 65 to 100 families each week, so additional help is always appreciated.”
The main problem for the food pantry isn’t a lack of food, but a lack of space. According to Zulla, the pantry has 24 residential freezers, which isn’t enough. The director hopes the pantry can find its own location and also have a walk-in fridge to limit the number of freezers it has to use.
Even with the lack of space, the pantry has received great support from local businesses and community members.
“Bagel Zone is Burlington donates their bagels every day to the pantry, while Wawas in both Maple Shade and Moorestown donate every Tuesday and Friday,” Zulla said. “We also have coin boxes placed at three locations in the township, while the Yard House in Moorestown also donates their food at the end of each day. “
Donations to the food pantry occur year-round with both the Burlington Township Schools and Police Department chipping in throughout the year. The BTPD holds a Hunger Day at Shoprite, while the middle school runs a canned food drive during Super Bowl Sunday. Burlington Township High School’s jazz band gives proceeds from its concerts to the food pantry as well.
The food pantry is needed now more than before, according to Zulla, who enjoys giving his time to helping others.
“Our service is appreciated by others, and it’s a good feeling,” Zulla said. “The best part is receiving letters from families saying you made a difference in their lives.”
For more information regarding the food pantry, call (888) 847–3278 or check its website at http://www.btfoodpantry.org/home.aspx.
