Drive Thru Food Collection in Cranford, NJ

One grocery bag can help feed a family. On Saturday, October 10, Cranford neighbors can drop off that bag without ever leaving the car.

Cranford United Methodist Church holds its Drive Thru Food Collection from 10 a.m. to noon in the church parking lot at 201 Lincoln Ave. E., next to the Cranford Library. Put your donations in your trunk, drive into the lot, and pop the trunk, and volunteers will unload everything for you. Donations benefit Cranford Family Care and St. Joseph's Social Services Center in Elizabeth. Union County Life shares food drives like this so neighbors know where help is needed.

Pantry staples are welcome, including pasta and sauce, rice, peanut butter, canned tuna and chicken, cooking oil, flour, sugar, coffee, and condiments. Hearty produce like apples, potatoes, onions, and carrots is welcome too, along with cleaning supplies and toilet paper. Please check expiration dates before donating.

Can't make it Saturday? A donation bin next to the Little Free Pantry in the church parking lot is open around the clock all year. The drive thru collection happens on the second Saturday of every month, and volunteers of all ages are welcome to come help at 10 a.m. For more information, visit cranfordumc.com, call 908-276-0936, or email office@cranfordumc.com.

A few extra items in the grocery cart can make a real difference for a family down the street. Find more Cranford events, arts coverage, and community news on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Patch

FAQ:

Q: When is the Cranford drive thru food collection?
A: The collection is Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon. It happens on the second Saturday of every month.

Q: Where do I drop off food donations?
A: Drive into the Cranford United Methodist Church parking lot at 201 Lincoln Ave. E., next to the Cranford Library. Volunteers will unload your trunk.

Q: What items are most needed?
A: Cranford Family Care needs mayonnaise, toothpaste, stuffing, instant mashed potatoes, ramen noodles, and baby wipes. St. Joseph's needs white rice, pasta, canned or pouch chicken, canned tuna, high fiber low sugar cereal, and peanut butter.

Q: Can I donate if I can't come on Saturday?
A: Yes. A donation bin next to the Little Free Pantry in the church parking lot is open 24 hours a day, all year.

Q: Where can I find more ways to help in Cranford?
A: Union County Life covers Cranford events, food drives, and community news. Visit unioncountylife.com for more.