Interfaith Food Pantry Network — Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Zara Syed | October 2023
When asked what differentiates the Interfaith Food Pantry Network from other pantries, the first statement Ms. Shana Baer, Director of Development, made was their ultimate focus on “neighbors helping neighbors.” One walk through the pantry, brought that mantra to life in such a realistic and beautiful manner. It was apparent in the bright smiles on volunteers’ enthusiastic faces, in the kind traffic director who helped us contact Ms. Shana, and most notably in the 1.7 million pounds of food they donated in 2022. I am so grateful to have been
Farmers Market Underway at the Interfaith Food Pantry Networkable to experience the generosity of the pantry, volunteers and staff in action on a gorgeous early August, Friday morning when I visited the pantry for the third summer in a row, interviewed Ms. Shana, and toured the Interfaith Food Pantry Network (IFPN).
Ms. Shana Baer, the Director of Development at the IFPN, began working at the pantry in September 2022. For 12 years she raised her kids and was very involved with fundraising volunteering at their school. As an integral member of the school PTA, Ms. Shana developed leadership skills and her perseverance and creativity were displayed as she raised funds for big ticket items like air conditioners and smart boards for each classroom, and other crucial items. When a work opportunity opened at SOPAC (South Orange Performing Art Center), she felt she could translate her sales and marketing skills acquired as a school volunteer to a career in development for a non-profit organization. With encouragement from her friend and family, she applied to and successfully interviewed for Special Events Coordinator. To fulfill her commitment to her young children, she initially started working as a part-time employee and gradually transitioned to a fulltime staff member as Director of Development. After a meaningful 5 year journey at SOPAC and an almost empty-nester, she was ready for the next purposeful challenge. In 2022 Ms. Baer learnt about an opening at the IFPN; she interviewed for it and was offered the revered position of Director of Development in September of 2022. She feels strongly that food is a basic need and takes satisfaction in contributing to raising funds to provide food for people in her own community. Her favorite part of her position at the IFPN is seeing the profound impact
her work has on people. As Director of Development at the IFPN, she is in charge of fundraising (monetary donations and food donations), identifying and working with corporations and individuals to ensure that they are properly acknowledged after giving donations and informing them of their impact, getting the word out about the pantry, and educating people on the amount of good they do for the community. In addition to expanding the donor base, she also reviews county newsletters to reach out to new companies moving into the area and communicating with corporate volunteer programs. During my tour at the IFPN, she educated me on the myriad positive changes, statistics and details surrounding the IFPN. Ms. Shana’s position as Director of Development isn’t easy, and on Friday it was clear to see that she is an integral part of the Interfaith Food Pantry’s success.
One of the most fascinating parts of the tour was witnessing the positive change and growth blossoming throughout the pantry, from the extension of the refrigerator and freezer space to the amount of shelf space. As the construction winds down, the growth of the pantry is conspicuous.. The refrigerator and freezer space has a 550 percent increase in food capacity. This is game-changing because it drastically increases the amount of produce, dairy products, and poultry that can be stored, and relieves them of the need to give food back due to a lack of space. In fact, last Thanksgiving they distributed 2100 turkeys, a number they predict will only increase in the foreseeable future. In addition, the IFPN has seen a 35 percent increase in clients due to inflation, lay offs, the increase of organizations they are partnered with increasing from 31 to 35, and simply the fact that more people are
hearing about it. Another recent addition to the IFPN is the backpack program. They provide brand new backpacks to students filled with school supplies. Last year the IFPN donated 600 backpacks, and they estimate that that number will increase to 800 this year. The renovation in progress promises a collaborative and productive office setting starting with a friendly waiting room that will have a receptionist and updated admin offices for the client service representatives. The second floor includes a commodious conference room, workspace for workers and volunteers, spacious offices and a hangout space for volunteers. On top of these magnificent additions, an elevator is also being installed for those who need it . The expansion was feasible as a direct result of a 1.25 million dollar grant the IFPN received from the Margaret A. Darrin Charitable Trust.
To me, one statement that Ms. Shana made that truly represents the growth that I have witnessed over the three years I have been involved with the IFPN is how the pantry is truly beginning to emulate a supermarket. There is tons more refrigeration space and shelf space. Although some of the food is donated, most is bought by the pantry itself. The IFPN works with local farmers to receive more reasonable prices. The IFPN also holds 24 farmers markets annually (bi-monthly), so now each client comes in once a month for shopping and twice a month for the farmers market. The pantry is now about double the capacity it was before construction began. New product additions like paper and cleaning supplies would definitely ease the financial burden of low-income clients. There is a plan in place to finally be able to let
clients back into the pantry again to pick up food by themselves since COVID-19.
As I walked through the IFPN, it was evident that the Interfaith Food Pantry Network isn’t the same as all other pantries. They’re the largest network in Morris County! The emphasis is on the quality of the food they’re distributing over the quantity. It was apparent in the quality of fresh produce, dairy, and much more. As I stated before, the ethos “neighbors helping neighbors” is noticeable . They strive to give the community a chance to help. In fact, because of the vast number of volunteers, they can ensure that for every dollar that is donated, 93 cents is spent on food. The difference the IFPN is making in its community is clear a survey found that 80 percent of clients feel better and healthier after receiving support from the IFPN.
Although there were many observations made during my visit to the IFPN, neighbors helping neighbors was a truly significant one. It stood as a reminder of the reason that I enjoyed giving back to my community, and as a fulfilling sense that it wasn’t just me who lived that mantra. It was Ms. Shana, who I learned on Friday, works tirelessly to ensure the best for the pantry, teenage to elderly volunteers, who were helping at the pantry with enthusiastic dispositions, it was the other staff members that had evident camaraderie, and ultimately, it was the clients driving through the farmers market with smiles stretching across their faces, representing the knowing that the Interfaith Food Pantry Network is a safe,
welcoming place, where the mantra “neighbors helping neighbors”
magically comes to life.
Visit my website: Good Intentions
https://goodintentionsnj.wixsite.com/my-site-2