The Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges (IFPO) successfully began its new system of Full Client Choice Wednesday morning July 13.
More than 180 people arrived at the Church of the Epiphany in Orange, NJ for an experience similar to shopping in a grocery store.
IFPO is an interfaith food pantry that serves members of the East Orange and Orange communities every Wednesday, except for the first Wednesday of every month. The food pantry is a joint effort of Christ Church, Congregation Beth El, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel and Church of the Epiphany.
Previously, clients would arrive at the Church greeted by volunteers and receive a pre-packaged bag of groceries, regardless of family size or current need. As stated on IFPO’s website, Client Choice also makes sure clients “will not receive food they have already, do not like, or cannot eat for health or personal reasons.”
This morning, clients were given different paper cards depending on the size of their family. Anyone shopping for more than one person was given two shopping bags and higher allowances of food from each category. Clients chose from fresh and canned vegetables, fresh and canned fruit, multiple protein items, grain items, as well as an “other” and “free” section which featured canned soup, graham crackers, jelly, combs and toiletries.
Volunteers escorted clients through the different tables, explaining how the new system worked and ensuring they received the foods they wanted and needed. Though the lines moved a bit slower than usual, clients were pleased with the ability to choose their own items.
Board members Diane Stein and Jodi Cooperman acknowledged the possibility for some rough patches in the new system and looked for volunteers to offer feedback for any improvements. After all the clients had been served for the day, Jodi mentioned that they “[had] been training and discussing this change with volunteers for months.” Diane was excited to say that things were “much better than expected.”
While waiting in the church’s sanctuary to be escorted through the food tables, regular IFPO client Kerry G. said she believed the new system gave her more independence and a chance to reduce waste: “Sometimes I don’t use stuff and I just end up giving it away. This gives me more autonomy and free choice.” Though Kerry currently works as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Staten Island, she said the food pantry “really fills that gap” for her and her 3-year-old son.
IFPO’s demand has grown over the last few years and the organization continues to provide emergency and supplemental food to more than 22,600 people per year. The pantry relies greatly on volunteers and donations of food or money.
To get involved with The Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges, visit the website here.
