Valairco Cares Donates $500 to Immaculate Heart of Mary Food Pantry in Scotch Plains

The Valairco Cares program initially launched in 2018 to mark the company's 50th anniversary under owner Kevin McHugh. While originally planned as a brief, one-year project, the corporate program expanded permanently due to high demand, eventually evaluating nearly 2,500 local non-profit nominations from across the region over the last eight years.

The recent funding arrives as the local food pantry experiences a sustained surge in operational demand. Founded more than 35 years ago by the late Rich Wagner to assist struggling parish families, the program initially operated out of a single supply closet. The non-profit operation has since moved into a dedicated building footprint on the parish grounds, especially after its monthly client volume spiked following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expanding Operations Across Union County

Today, the volunteer-led facility serves approximately 225 families each month, up significantly from its pre-pandemic average of roughly 36 families. The pantry maintains an active registry of 500 local households, providing each visiting family with a 40-pound box of dry goods alongside fresh proteins like eggs and chicken.

To stock its distribution shelves, the group utilizes an on-site garden that generates 50 pounds of fresh vegetables weekly, alongside regular bakery donations from regional Trader Joe's and Stop & Shop supermarkets. Volunteer teams also drive a cargo vehicle twice monthly to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey facility in Hillside to procure roughly 6,000 pounds of additional food staples. The entire operation relies on a workforce of 38 adult volunteers and a dozen local students, anchored by a resident named Bernie, who has volunteered at the site for over 40 years as the last remaining original member.

The facility is located at 1571 South Martine Avenue and opens its doors for distribution every Wednesday and on the second Sunday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Valairco Cares will continue its quarterly grants, with public voting for the next regional recipient open online through October 31, 2026.

Photo Credit: Immaculate Heart of Mary Church

FAQ

Who is eligible to receive assistance from the Immaculate Heart of Mary food pantry?
The pantry serves registered families experiencing food insecurity from across all municipalities in Union County.

When is the Scotch Plains food pantry open for food pickup?
The distribution site is open to clients every Wednesday morning and on the second Sunday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

How can local residents nominate an organization for the next corporate funding cycle?
Community members can participate in the ongoing Valairco Cares program by submitting nominations online, with public voting for the next quarter open until October 31, 2026.