As we celebrate Nutrition Month, we want to highlight some incredible organizations in our area that are dedicated to helping individuals and families access free meals and groceries.
At Henry J. Austin Health Center (HJAHC), we understand the importance of food access for maintaining good health. That’s why we’re committed to providing resources and support to ensure everyone in our community has access to nourishing meals and groceries. As we celebrate Nutrition Month, we want to highlight some incredible organizations in our area that are dedicated to helping individuals and families access free meals and groceries.
Organizations Providing Free Meals and Groceries:
Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK):
TASK serves nutritious meals to anyone in need, no questions asked. TASK is open six days a week, including most holidays. They provide 9,000 meals a week, helping to improve the quality of life for those they serve.
Location and Hours:
- 72 ½ Escher Street, Trenton, NJ 08609
- Lunch: Monday – Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Dinner: Monday – Thursday, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Arm in Arm:
Arm in Arm offers pick-up pantry services at multiple locations in Trenton and Princeton, including mobile pantry services throughout Trenton. They also provide home delivery services to select locations and community members who are home-bound or immuno-compromised. For inquiries about home food deliveries, please contact Alana Moonsammy at alanam@arminarm.org.
Locations and Hours:
- 48 Hudson Street, Trenton NJ
- Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- 61 Nassau Street, Princeton NJ
- Monday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Tuesday, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Mobile Food Pantry: 127 Academy Street (across from Trenton Public Library)
- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
HomeFront:
HomeFront operates three food/grocery pantries, providing families with a week’s worth of groceries and essential items. Families enrolled with HomeFront are welcome to visit once every 30 days.
Locations and Hours:
- Fran’s Pantry – 1880 Princeton Avenue, Lawrenceville
- Monday and Thursday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Tuesday, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Lawrenceville Community Center Pantry – 295 Eggerts Crossing Road, Lawrenceville
- First and third Thursday of every month, 12 – 4 p.m.
- FreeStore Pantry – 1000 Division Street, Trenton
- Food bags available during appointments. Call 609-989-9417 to make an appointment.
For a full directory of free food resources, The Mercer County Free Food Finder directory lists meal sites, food pantries, and meal distribution sites serving children, families, seniors, and adults.
Access to nutritious food is essential for maintaining good health and well-being. We encourage our community members to take advantage of these resources and organizations to ensure their families have access to nourishing meals and groceries.
If you’re looking to make changes to your family’s diet or need nutritional guidance, schedule an appointment with our nutritionist at HJAHC by calling 609-278-5900.