Apr 29 2009
Spotlight: Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry
I met Isaiah Cooper Executive Director of The Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry at a Northern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce event. What wonderful things this organization is doing for people in need, and truly are an oasis for many families. I hope you take the time to learn a bit more about KMFP and give them the support required to continue to do such important work in our community.
About KMFP:
The Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry (KMFP) is a 501(c)(3) non for profit organization and as such we do the best we can to assist those that come to us for assistance from all walks in life. We have been existence since 1983 and strictly staffed by volunteers.
In July 2008 we were awarded two (2) proclamations for 25 years of service to the surrounding communities. We were honored to have received these proclamations from The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Mayor and Council of the Boro of Keyport.
We are also honored this year to have been named, at an event held March 25, 2009, Non-Profit of the Year by the Northern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce to receive the Crystal Beacon Award.
Our organization has been visited by many individuals and organizations. We were honored to have had dignitaries such as Assemblyman Samuel Thompson, Monmouth County Freeholder Director Barbara McMorrow, Freeholder Amy Mallet and Keyport Mayor Bergen and Council Members visit our facility. They have been able to meet our volunteers and see our operation first-hand. We welcome everyone to visit our facility. To arrange a visit please contact Executive Director Isaiah Cooper during our hours of operation.
We consider ourselves a small organization but operating in a BIG way and always taking that “Extra Step” to assist those who are in need. We are fortunate and eternally grateful to have the support of so many, especially during these times. Our clientele consists of families, grandparents caring for their grandchildren, Single mothers/fathers, Veterans, Single adults, Senior Citizens and Disabled.
We have people walking through our doors now more than ever who in the past were able to maintain some level of moderate income to make ends meet and now have lost their jobs. They now have to choose between putting food on their table for their family, paying the rent, utilities and possibly health care. We have Seniors who come to us now because their only income is Social Security and with the price of food and other items can barely survive. We have clients who own their homes telling us that their house is up for foreclosure or for the clients that rent their utilities (gas, electric, water) are being shut down because they cannot afford to pay the bill. Many of these people come to us with tears in their eyes telling us they never thought they would have to resort in having to come to a pantry but have no one to turn to and are in desperate need of assistance. We try to comfort them and explain that we are here to help them the best way we can and they should not feel ashamed in having to ask for help.
Many pantries and other organizations have had to close their doors, reduce their hours of operation or reduce the frequency of visits of the clients they serve due to lack of amenities and as a result the number of families we serve have increased. We try our best to assist all that come to us and will continue to do so because we have the continued support of so many.
How wonderful to get the word out about the food pantry; they certainly can always use the help,and especially now as more and more people are needing to turn to assistance to help them through lay offs and pay cuts. Thanks for the information!
There are so many people needing help right now all over, and it is great that you are getting the word out about your local food pantry!