“neighbors helping neighbors” 2018 Annual Report 2 Executive Drive - Morris Plains, NJ 07950 (p) 973-538-8049 (f) 973-998-5086 www.mcifp.org Annual Report 3.indd 1 8/23/2019 11:49:06 AM 1,173,881 POUNDS OF FOOD DISTRIBUTED IN 2018 Dear Friends, Thanks to you, 2018 was an incredible year for the Interfaith Food Pantry BY THE NUMBERS and the greater Morris County Community. As you browse the pages of our Annual Report, you will see how working together we made a positive impact on the lives of thousands of our neighbors in need. During 2018, we continued to address the new challenges presented to us by the changing landscape of the communities we serve. While our vision of ending hunger in Morris County remains constant, our programs and services continue to evolve in ways that advance our mission of improving the health and well-being of all Morris County residents in need. 1,173,881 lbs. of food distributed The IFP continues to operate our two client choice pantries on Speedwell Avenue and Executive Drive. Throughout our history these locations served the vast majority of need within the county, and our growth was reflected in the number of visits to these sites. However, with shifting demographics, an aging population and the displacement of affordable housing, we see new demand and new challenges beyond our current locations. To address these challenges, we continue to scale our Mobile Outreach Programs and expand our network of Pantry Partners, strengthening the food security net across 978,234 the county. Our Resource Center on Executive Drive now serves as a hub for meals provided several community agencies and, through coordination with these agencies, the IFP is able to reach many more people than we could alone. We will continue to build these partnerships to further extend the food security net in Morris County. Our Healthy Choices Nutrition and Family Self-Sufficiency programs continued to grow and thrive in 2018. By collaborating with organizations like Morristown Medical Center, the Junior League of Morristown, Single Stop, the United Way and others, we empowered families to live better, 276,523 healthier lives and enabled people to become more self-sufficient. We also lbs. produce distributed ramped up our communication efforts to engage the community and help educate people about the root-causes and issues surrounding hunger in our area. Our progress in 2018 was made possible thanks to an incredibly dedicated staff and volunteer force, and, of course, you. Your support, friendship and guidance enable and sustain the IFP’s mission. Thank you for caring and for making such a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of our 21,651 neighbors in Morris County. visits to or by the pantry Warm Regards, Carolyn Lake Executive Director Annual Report 3.indd 2 8/23/2019 11:49:06 AM FROM HUNGER TO HOPE Life was good for Mack. She was married, had a grown son, a home and a successful career in Human Resources and Accounting. When a routine surgical procedure resulted in a pulmonary embolism her stability took a tumultuous downturn. Life as she knew it came to an abrupt stop. With her heart and lungs malfunctioning, it was necessary to place her in a medically induced coma so she could breathe. Fortunately her treatment was successful, but it led to a series of medical challenges that would take years to recover from, physically and financially. “Recovering from a coma is not like you see in the movies”, Mack says. She had to re-learn to walk, talk, brush her teeth, etc., and there were residual health complications that kept her in and out of hospitals for years. Through it all, her son was her caregiver and inspiration. “AJ made me promise that when my physical therapist asked if I could push a little more, I would always say ‘yes’. And I did.” Her health insurance didn’t begin to cover the medical bills she incurred. Always highly resourceful and hopeful, Mack began paying the exorbitant bills and reached out to government agencies for help. She was shocked to realized she didn’t qualify for assistance because her small pension put her income just above the threshold. Over the course of 3 years and in the process of trying to pay several hundred thousand dollars’ worth of medical bills, Mack drained her savings and 401k. She stretched her food budget as far as she could, clipping coupons, purchasing inexpensive food, and skipping meals. She finally discovered IFP through an internet search, and applied for help. She recalls what a relief it was to come to the IFP. “When you’re at a low point in life, it’s easy to question your self- worth. It’s such a gift to find a place that makes you feel like you have value, simply because you are a fellow human being. It’s more than the food assistance that draws me to the Pantry. It’s the stability, the kindness, and sense of belonging. Food is a necessity but being accepted and welcome means everything.” With the help she received from the IFP, her situation improved dramatically. Still a Pantry client, she gives back by volunteering her time at the Resource Center, sorting produce and assisting at Kitchen 2 Table events. She says, “It’s so fulfilling to be able to pay-forward the warmth and support the Pantry gave me when I needed it most.” The Interfaith Food Pantry is a community of neighbors helping neighbors committed to ending hunger and supporting self-sufficiency. Through our community partners we provide food, education and resources to inspire confidence and hope to Morris County families in need. Annual Report 3.indd 3 8/23/2019 11:49:12 AM EMPOWERING PEOPLE TO BECOME SELF-SUFFICIENT EMPOWERING Food Pantry and Resource Center Programs Our core programs are aimed at improving the health and well-being of Morris County residents in need by providing nutritious food and connecting people to resources that promote self-sufficiency. Client Choice Pantries Working Families Access Food Rescue 866,586 280,805 241,092 pounds of food distributed pounds of food distributed pounds of food rescued Clients select food from our Food distribution and other Recovers good, quality food Pantry shelves based on programs are oered in the including meat and dairy from local supermarkets, food needs, likes and family size. evenings and on Saturday for manufacturers and growers, working families. eliminating waste. Free Farmers Market Thanksgiving Baskets 80,538 Family500 Self-Suf�iciency 1,600 pounds of food distributed families received assistance families received baskets Provides fresh produce, dairy Oers wrap-around services Provides turkeys and all the and wholesome grains two and resources such as free trimmings for a complete additional times each month, income tax preparation, school holiday meal. all year long. supplies and referrals to other community programs. Annual Report 3.indd 4 8/23/2019 11:49:37 AM EXPANDING OUR NETWORK TO REACH MORE PEOPLE EXPANDING Mobile Outreach Programs Our mobile programs use a network of private and public agencies, senior housing units and outlying feeding programs to expand our services to those who lack access to our primary food distribution sites. Pantry Partners Emergency OffSite Community Agencies Food Assistance 16,087 pounds of food 24,036 51,924 pounds of food pounds of food Provides fresh produce and Supplies County Oces of nutrition education materials Distributes food to specic Temporary Assistance with bags audiences with tailored needs. to smaller food pantries of non-perishable groceries for across Morris County. emergency situations. SUN Programs (Senior Umbrella Nutrition) Helping Hands Home Delivery Senior Food Box Meals on heels 40,851 2,200 68,748 pounds of food pounds of food pounds of food Food boxes acquired from the Providing easy-to-prepare Homebound clients are paired USDA are supplemented with food items to low income with volunteers who deliver produce and healthy snacks Meals-On-Wheels recipients in food on a regular basis. and delivered to low income need. senior housing sites. Annual Report 3.indd 5 8/23/2019 11:49:39 AM ADVANCING THE HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF OUR CLIENTS ADVANCING Healthy Choices Programs Understanding that hunger and a lack of access to nutritious food can result in diet-related health issues for low-income families, these programs aim to provide healthy options and educate people. Nutrition Education Healthy Living Health Screenings Resources Educates people on the Partners with other agencies to correlation of proper diet, encourage a healthier lifestyle. Partners with the medical nutrition, and eating healthy Programs include diabetes community for diabetes and on a budget. Provides workshops, family healthy hypertension screenings, u easy-to-make recipes and cooking sessions, and “Eat shots, dental care and free eye conducts cooking Right, Get Fit” programs. exams and glasses. demonstrations and food tastings. Community Teaching itchen 2 Table Garden 1,000 Provides educational meals prepared opportunities on growing herbs and produce in a fun Oers team building and safe environment at opportunities for groups the IFP. seeking to make a dierence. Prepares easy-to-reheat healthy meals for home delivery clients. Annual Report 3.indd 6 8/23/2019 11:49:56 AM INFORMING AND ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY ENGAGING Community Engagement Programs These programs are aimed at informing and engaging the community about the issues affecting hunger in our neighborhoods and offers opportunities to make a difference. Community involvement is a critical component to ending hunger. Youth Education Advocacy Addressing the issue of 600 hunger and food insecurity to students participated aect change through the Engaging students both on public and private sector.