Message from Councilman Roshan (Roc) White | April 18, 2025
On Sunday, I had the chance to join with Mayor Josh Losardo and elected officials from surrounding towns to attend the grand opening of the new ShopRite in the Blue Star Mall in neighboring Watchung.
It is a gleaming-new supermarket, the latest generation of a business that seems to have every single type of food you could possibly want, all within a quick walk from your car. As I perused the artisanal cheese shop, the oyster tastings and aisles of organic produce, I was pleased that such an impressive operation could be located so close to Scotch Plains.
But then my mind quickly went to the many people in our community who face food insecurity and may not be able to afford the many culinary delights that await at a business that offers so many speciality and premium items.
It is important to note that New Jersey’s supermarkets have been leaders in fighting food insecurity. ShopRite, for example, operates “Partners in Caring,” a community-based, hunger-fighting initiative that supports thousands of local charities. For 25 years, the program has raised money for soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, senior citizen centers and other organizations. ShopRite Partners In Caring donates $3.5 million every year to more than 2,500 hunger-fighting organizations.
We need to continually highlight food insecurity. There are families in Scotch Plains who may not always know where their next meal will come from, or they may be forced to rely on less nutritious options because of financial constraints.
Seniors on fixed incomes, families experiencing unexpected financial hardships, and individuals with disabilities can all struggle with consistent access to nutritious food. Too often, they suffer in silence.
The problem is often exacerbated during specific times, such as summer, when children who rely on school meals may lose access to that vital resource.
The challenges are compounded by the high cost of living in our area, which can stretch budgets thin and force tough choices between necessities like food, housing, and healthcare. Transportation can also be a barrier, especially for those without reliable vehicles, making it difficult to reach food pantries or grocery stores with affordable options.
Local efforts are crucial in addressing food insecurity. Community organizations and faith-based groups all play a vital role in providing support. Food drives, community gardens, and partnerships with local food banks help to supplement the needs of residents facing hunger. However, there is always room for increased awareness and expanded resources to ensure no one in Scotch Plains goes without food.
Below is a listing of some resources available to our neighbors suffering from food insecurity. Please note this is not a complete list:
- Immaculate Heart of Mary Food Pantry, at the rear entrance of the church, 1571 South Martine Ave.
- The St. Bartholomew Food Pantry, which has been in existence for 30 years, at 2032 Westfield Ave.
- Fanwood Presbyterian Church, delivering food since 1971 at 74 Martine Ave. in Fanwood.
- The Westfield Food Pantry, at the Holy Trinity Interparochial School, 336 First St.
- The Community Food Bank of New Jersey, based in Hillside is a one-stop shop for people facing food insecurity.
As many of us gather with friends and family for Easter this Sunday, may we give thanks for our bountiful feast and remember those in our community who may not be as fortunate.
