COVID-19: Morris County Gathers for June 23 Table of Hope Food Distribution Event at CCM

Published on June 19, 2020

First Lady to Join Freeholders, Sheriff, CCM, Alstede Farms, and Volunteers to Assist Residents in Time of Crisis

New Jersey First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy will join volunteers from nonprofit Table of Hope, local officials and scores of other volunteers who are scheduled to gather for a mobile food distribution event at County College of Morris on Tuesday, June 23, to assist residents during this time of crisis.

(JPG, 299KB) Rev. Sidney Williams and Table of Hope volunteers package food for distribution

The food distribution, consisting of canned goods, meat, dairy, vegetables and other groceries, for people in need will take place in Parking Lot 1 on the CCM campus starting at 10 a.m. and running until 12 noon.

Welcoming remarks from the First Lady and others will take place at 9:45 a.m. All are welcomed to attend.

(JPG, 3MB) Freeholder Kathy DeFillippo

The distribution will operate as a contactless drive-through event with cars stopping at different food stations categorized by food type where volunteers will place bags or boxes into automobile trunks. Those who would like to pick up food that day are asked to use the college's Dover Chester Road entrance.

Face coverings are required for everyone who come to campus.

"The great work being done by Table of Hope and other food pantries in Morris County has been exemplary, said Morris County Freeholder Kathy DeFillippo, liaison to the county's Human Services agencies. Without their dedication, many people in our county, who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19, would be hard pressed to feed their families. We strongly back their efforts.''

Shortly after COVID-19 struck, Rev. Sidney Williams, pastor of Bethel Church in Morristown, converted the Table of Hope bus that was used to pick up food so it could be utilized for mobile food distribution. Williams is founder of the Spring Street Community Development Corporation that operates Table of Hope and other programs to improve the lives of individuals and families in Morris County.

Assisting with the event are Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, a CCM graduate, the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, Alstede Farms and approximately 40 volunteers, including numerous CCM employees.

This is a powerful testament of the heart of the Morris County community, said Rev. Williams.

(JPG, 56KB) Sheriff James M. Gannon

"Table of Hope, the Interfaith Food Pantry, the Community Food Bank, Alstede Farms and other charitable organizations have stepped up at a time when the lives of many families were upended by the COVID 19 crisis," said Sheriff Gannon. "Their work reflects the finest qualities in people who care about their neighbors and the well-being of others during grim times. Table of Hope Mobile Food Pantry and CCM, for hosting this event, have all my gratitude and admiration."

COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on the region, state and nation and resulted in massive unemployment and also additional challenges for those who already were struggling, notes CCM President Anthony J. Iacono. As the community's college, we are honored to host this event to enable Table of Hope to assist more Morris County residents. I am so proud to be part of this county where people pull together to help one another.

In particular, Alstede Farms of Chester Township is providing all of the produce to be distributed on Tuesday. The Morris County Council of Education Associations also contributed $5,000 to purchase food for the event

In March, Table of Hope began operating weekly mobile food distribution programs in Morristown, Parsippany and Dover, along with additional grocery supply events in other Morris County communities. Prior to COVID-19, its pantry in Morristown served about 65 people weekly. The number now being served each week at each mobile distribution event averages 500 to 600, reports Theresa Williams, executive director of the Spring Street CDC.

To date, more than 9,000 individuals and families have been helped and more than 222 tons of food has been distributed. Table of Hope also operates a soup kitchen that during the pandemic has continued to provide dinners as a takeout service.

Table of Hope receives food from the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside, local farms and food service companies. To volunteer or make a donation, visit the Spring Street CDC website.

Also, for residents across Morris County's 39 towns, if you are in need of food during these difficult times, reach out to one of the food pantries and soup kitchens who are working hard to help get us through this difficult period.

Here is a list of available food services to get you the resources you need. The list includes food pantries, volunteer shopper organizations, meal delivery services, and take-out meal services that serve Morris County residents. (PNG, 53KB)