New Jersey
N.J. food pantry might close next month as it searches for new home
A New Jersey food pantry’s future is uncertain as it looks for a new home, so it can continue to feed residents of Monmouth County – a need that has increased in recent years.
Leaders hope the Bradley Food Pantry can find a new home either before or after May 17, when it is expected to leave its current space at the St. James Episcopal Church on 4th Avenue in Bradley Beach. The pantry has spent 40 years at the church, said Linda Curtiss, its executive director.
That anticipated shutdown comes while the all-volunteer pantry said it has been overwhelmed with public demand, one that grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, when millions of Americans were left to navigate social distancing protocols that limited the U.S. economy, forcing many out of work.
An email to the church from NJ Advance Media for comment was not immediately returned.
With rising consumer prices coupled with inflation, about 500 families have weekly relied upon the pantry to stave off hunger, according to its website.
In 2023, the pantry had 2,753 distinct families visiting for goods, leading the volunteers to shell out more than 850,000 pounds of food, according to the pantry.
“Thousands of families were disadvantaged because of this, but we cannot continue to offer food and hospitality at the current location,” Curtis said in a statement.
The pantry’s leaders have been at odds with the church, saying both have “differing viewpoints” without elaborating. Those differences led the pantry to begin searching for a new space to distribute meals since last August, the pantry said. It has already weighed over 100 locations without making a final decision.
The pantry needs about a 2,000-square-foot space, but finding one under needed zoning laws has been daunting, its leaders say.
In its last weeks at the church, the pantry will operate under an altered schedule – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. But, the limited schedule has placed an unprecedented challenge on the pantry’s ability to serve the community, Curtis said.
The executive director said that despite recent hurdles, she and her team are striving to make the looming closure only temporary.
“The Bradley Food Pantry will not rest until we find a location where we can come back better and stronger than before, ready to help families in need once again,” Curtis said.
New Jersey
Body found in N.J. forest, officials say
A body was found Sunday afternoon in Belleplain State Forest in Cape May County, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s State Park Police confirmed to NJ Advance Media.
Police said they could not release any other details Sunday night as the matter was still under investigation.
Belleplain State Forest is a 21,320-acre New Jersey State Forest in northern Cape May County and eastern Cumberland County.
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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
New Jersey
Hudson River Rivalry Matinee Matchup | PREVIEW | New Jersey Devils
New Jersey host the NY Rangers at Prudential Center for the first time this season.
You can watch on MSGSN or listen on the Devils Hockey Network.
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New Jersey
New Jersey hit by seafood recall for norovirus outbreak
🐟 Food & Drug Administration issues recall alert for norovirus
🐟 15 states impacted including New Jersey
🐟 Norovirus spreads easily and quickly
Federal authorities are warning of potentially contaminated seafood sold by a California company to several states including New Jersey.
The alert of a norovirus outbreak was issued by S&M Shellfish Co. of San Francisco on Thursday, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
It affects oysters harvested in British Columbia, Canada by Pacific Northwest Shellfish and Union Bay Seafood.
The oysters were distributed to restaurants and retailers under several brand names.
The brands include Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, and Royal Miyagi.
Oysters sold as these brands harvested between Dec. 1 and Dec. 9 should be thrown away. They are potentially contaminated with norovirus.
These oysters were also sold in the neighboring states of Pennsylvania and New York, the FDA said.
Are you sick from norovirus?
People who eat food contaminated with norovirus will usually know within 12 to 48 hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Where to enjoy the Feast of the Seven Fishes in New Jersey
Symptoms aren’t subtle; they will often include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Fever, headache, and body aches are also possible.
The combination of diarrhea and vomiting can leave people severely dehydrated, especially young children, older adults, and those with other illnesses.
Most people sick with norovirus will recover within a few days. However, they should be careful around others because they can continue to spread the virus for another few days.
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