Since its establishment in 1993, Open Cupboard Food Pantry (OCFP) has become a staple in the Hunterdon and Warren counties, relentlessly bridging the gap between food insecurity needs and reality. In February 2024, after over 30 years of improving the livelihoods of local communities, one of OCFP's two locations burned down in a devastating fire, forcing the nonprofit to pivot. Recently, Jennifer Tavormina, Executive Director, shared that a new temporary location, opening on the 1st of August, has been secured. Despite the good news, OCFP is still seeking its forever home. 

For decades, OCFP has been sustaining its operations, rewarding employees, and purchasing and delivering food thanks to an in-house thrift store, where visitors could contribute to a good cause by purchasing unique second-hand clothes or home decor items. The fire destroyed all objects stored in the shop, depriving the organization of a substantial monthly income. Since then, more fundraising initiatives aimed at fueling OCFP's mission have been raised. "Our community has really come together," adds Jennifer. "In fact, it has been such a tremendous success that we have run out of space!"

Through a short-term rental arrangement, OCFP will open a 2nd temporary location that will return thrift store activities to the nonprofit's offering and expand the current storage space. In the long term, Open Cupboard Food Pantry is striving to build a spacious facility from scratch, enlarging its capacity and impact on the communities. 

"Based on the recent internal research, more storage isn't a want, but a need," stresses Jennifer. "In the last month, we have seen 18% more people coming in to seek help. That accounted for more than 20,000 pounds of food donated in that short time, showcasing the rising food insecurity in the region. Without a new facility, we won't be able to meet that spiking need. Operating on just 30% of what our initial space was, we can feel the struggle. We are ready for the next step."

Currently, OCFP's team is on a quest to build their permanent home – an at least 6,000 square feet facility located in the same geographic region. That dedication to remaining in the same locale is driven by the dire food insecurity situation—about 10.7% of the population in New Jersey struggles with adequate access to food and insufficient resources. 

Through all the obstacles and against all odds, Open Cupboard Food Pantry never strayed away from its mission, swiftly becoming a staple for the New Jersey communities. These communities supported OCFP when it faced the harrowing fire, making generous donations and sustaining its mission.

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