Mission:

The mission of The Food Bank Network is to distribute food and to provide other basic human needs to those less fortunate in our community in a manner which recognizes and advances self worth and human dignity. Our method of distributing this food is through three food pantries, located in Somerville, Bound Brook, and North Plainfield, and a warehouse in Bridgewater. Our goal is to help create the opportunity for each person to become self-sufficient.

On a daily basis, we take emergency calls from people who need our help and are unable to wait until our Saturday pantry distribution. Usually, they are first-time people or people with special needs. These folks are referred to us from other county agencies such as the Board of Social Services, Food Stamps, Alternatives, Richard Hall, S.H.I.P., Catholic Charities, Group Home, United Way, Home-Sharing, D.Y.F.S., and Agape House. We also take walk-ins of people needing immediate help.

On their first visit, people are required to provide proof of identification and adress and complete an application form. Our procedure is to review each application and to follow up with any necessary referrals to other agencies. We are then able to determine how best to assist a family or individual. Review of recipients is ongoing.