What is a Good Donation to a Food Pantry?
That Depends!
Every food pantry in Bergen County is unique in terms of what they provide for their guests. Most pantries, however, can provide much more than cans and shelf-stable items.
In a recent survey conducted by the Office of Food Security, over 86% of Bergen County's pantries & providers have refrigeration capacity and 83% have freezers, allowing them to accept donations of perishable items and fresh produce.
Below is an interactive map that shows the organizations in Bergen County that have refrigerators and/or freezers on site, as well as other insights from our 2025 Food Pantry Survey.
Donate Food!
54 out of 68 organziations that responded to our survey (79%) reported that their primary source of food is from private individual donations.
Top 5 Requested Items*:
- 39 responded Fresh Produce
- 34 responded Fresh Dairy Products
- 34 responded Grocery Store Gift Cards
- 32 responded Fresh Meat
- 31 responded Hygiene Products
*From a survey of 68 Food Pantries & Providers in Bergen County
Donate... your time!
About 90% of the organizations that responded to our survey will accept new volunteers. Volunteer your time at a local pantry to help organize donations, distribute food and essential items, translate, etc.
Build a relationship with your local food pantry to fill their shelves according to their specific needs. Spread the word about ongoing levels of hunger in our community, and help your local pantry gain support from surrounding communities. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE, PLEASE ARRANGE A TIME TO DROP-OFF WITH THE PANTRY BEFOREHAND.