Cranford Church Hosts Drive-Thru Food Collection Saturday

Cranford United Methodist Church will host its monthly Drive-Thru Food Collection on Saturday, September 12, to support regional families experiencing food insecurity. The contactless drop-off event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. inside the church parking lot located at 201 Lincoln Avenue East, directly adjacent to the Cranford Public Library.

Contactless Donation Process and Core Beneficiaries

The drop-off system requires no physical lifting on the donor's part. Participants simply place their grocery contributions into the trunk of their vehicle and pull into the designated parking lanes, where on-site volunteers will unpack the items directly.

All inventory collected during the two-hour window will be split between two local non-profit groups: Cranford Family Care and St. Joseph's Social Services Center in Elizabeth. Organizers ask donors to strictly check expiration dates on all items before arriving. The church welcomes a wide assortment of items, ranging from fresh produce like apples and sweet potatoes to household essentials like toilet paper and cleaning supplies.

Targeted Donation Needs

The baseline grocery items requested vary by individual organization needs:

• Cranford Family Care Priorities: Cooking oil, broth, marinara sauce, instant potatoes, sugar, and nutritional supplement shakes like Boost or Ensure.

• St. Joseph's Social Services Priorities: White rice packed in 1- or 2-pound bags, whole grain or regular pasta, canned or pouch chicken, canned tuna, high-fiber low-sugar cereal, and peanut butter.

The drive-thru collection operates on the second Saturday of every month. For individuals unable to attend the weekend window, a permanent collection bin remains stationed next to the Little Free Pantry in the church parking lot, accepting non-perishable donations 24 hours a day. Families and volunteers of all ages are welcome to assist on-site by arriving at the lot at 10:00 a.m. Interested residents can find additional data online at cranfordumc.com/current-events, by calling 908-276-0936, or via email at office@cranfordumc.com.

FAQ

Where is the drive-thru food collection drop-off located?
The collection takes place in the parking lot of Cranford United Methodist Church at 201 Lincoln Avenue East, next to the library.

What specific items do the local pantries need most this month?
High-priority items include white rice in small bags, cooking oil, broth, canned chicken or tuna, low-sugar cereal, and nutritional supplement shakes.

How can I donate if I am unavailable during the Saturday morning event?
A permanent drop-off bin is located next to the Little Free Pantry in the church parking lot and accepts non-perishable items 24 hours a day, seven days a week.