How one South Jersey man’s food, clothing pantry aims to address poverty in his community

“Once I first began this, I did not assume there was a necessity right here in Winslow Township,” mentioned Mario Partee, government director of Neighborhood Care Meals and Clothes Pantry.

He operates the pantry arrange like a grocery retailer from a one-story dwelling off Sicklerville Street.

Partee and his group of volunteers are feeding 600 individuals every month.

“If individuals really feel like they’ll a grocery store, they’re going to really feel extra comfy procuring,” he mentioned. “There is not any buying and selling within the parking zone with this rice or this could of beans. Individuals are really getting the meals they consider they want for his or her household.”

Partee began the nonprofit together with his mother, Dianne, a couple of decade in the past after listening to from group leaders and realizing about 10% of the township lives in poverty.

“They’re nonetheless struggling to feed their households, and people are the households we attempt to discover and ensure they’re taken care of,” mentioned Mayor Marie Lawrence.

The pantry has advanced into a spot the place neighbors can get all their requirements, from canned items to frozen meats to clothes.

Partee credit his mom’s imaginative and prescient for the pantry’s success.

“She at all times believed in serving to individuals. I did not understand on the time she was instructing that to me all alongside,” he mentioned.

Partee’s mother handed away in 2017. On the time, he wasn’t positive how he’d proceed this effort with out her.

However this week, as he displays on what would have been her 78th birthday on March 22, he is aware of she’s nonetheless on the coronary heart of this group.

“I get actually emotional about it as a result of I am nonetheless doing this, and I consider it is all due to her spirit,” he mentioned. “Her legacy of giving is a part of my life now.”