Regular Food Needs
for
CUMAC's Pantry:

September 2011: Government food allocations have been cut back and record flooding after Hurricane Irene is sending more and more people to our doors for food assistance.  We have particular need for the following items now:

• Cereal
• Protein items (canned tuna, canned chicken, frozen meats, canned beans)
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Pasta and jarred sauce

Click here to download a PDF Guide on Holding a Food Drive for CUMAC

Regular Food Needs:

• Canned meals (chili, spaghetti, hash, stew, etc.)
• Canned meats (tuna, chicken, Spam, etc.)
• Canned vegetables and soups (regular and low-sodium)
• Cereal (hot and cold) and Breakfast bars
• Dry beans, rice, pasta and packaged soup
• Taco dinner boxes
• Peanut Butter and Jelly
• Shelf-stable, Powdered, condensed and evaporated milk
• Baby food and formula
• Canned fruit (regular and low-sugar)
• Raisins, other dried fruit
• Canned drinks, juice boxes, powdered drink mixes, coffee, tea, cocoa
• Protein supplement drinks (i.e. Ensure)
• Snacks, crackers, cookies
• Cake and muffin mixes
• Spices (salt, pepper, garlic, etc.)
• Condiments (Mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, salad dressing, gravy, etc.)

When applicable, cans and/or plastic containers are preferred to glass for storage reasons. 

We also welcome refrigerated and/or frozen food, fruits and vegetables and bread products that are still fresh. 

Monetary contributions are also greatly appreciated.  We are able to purchase food at bulk rates or at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey for a nominal handling charge.  Therefore, we are able to turn even a small cash donation into significant services for our clients.  For example, $50 can feed a family of 4 for a week.  See the Donate Now page or send a check payable to CUMAC to PO Box 2721, Paterson, NJ 07509.  All donations are tax-deductible.

We are always in need of empty coffee cans for use in dividing up food we receive in bulk, as well as paper and plastic bags to distribute food to our clients.  We also collect the pull-tabs from aluminum cans to recycle for cash to turn into more food for our clients. 

If you are dropping off your donations to our warehouse, please call ahead of time so we know to expect you.  If you would like us to come pick up the food, please call the office to make arrangements in advance.