By Caitlin McGarry
Beth Sherrard (Center Right) in front of the Your Choice Pantry’s new mural, painted by local Red Bank artist James Fitzmaurice, with Pantry Assistant Sharon Smith (Left), and volunteers Susan (Left Center), and Julissa (Right)
“I’m inspired every day”: The importance of the Your Choice Pantry model, the impact volunteers are having and how individual donors can make a difference for food-insecure families.
If you want to hear about the crucial daily needs of Lunch Break’s Your Choice Pantry, learn how many people are shopping on the regular and be in awe of the dedication and passion of those who work and volunteer here, look no further than this conversation with Pantry Supervisor Beth Sherrard.
We sat down in Beth’s office, in the heart of the bustling pantry and had an illuminating conversation about what it’s like observing and participating in the daily life of this small-scale grocery store. Beth has spent years working in the pantry, navigating unconventional challenges and guiding Lunch Break through many unorthodox times, including the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, she brings a smile to her work, grounded in the deep belief that this is a truly special place to be.
Q: Please share how you first started at Lunch Break and a history of your involvement with the Your Choice Pantry.
A: At the time, I was retired for 15 years, had just moved back to the area and was very involved with my church, St. George’s in Rumson. I had always heard of Lunch Break through the church’s involvement and my good friends Bonnie and Tom Johnson. So I started volunteering in the Lunch Break pantry in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Back then we were preparing grab-and-go bags for pantry guests, and standing outside in the cold, wind and rain to bring the bags to their cars. We had freezers outside to give everyone their choice of meat. We were out there every day in all types of weather – and all the volunteers were amazing, nobody ever complained. It was all so uplifting. I quickly fell in love with everything about Lunch Break – helping people in need, the dedication of the volunteers, the heartfelt appreciation from the guests who come in for services– being a part of Lunch Break, I felt so full. So when the former Pantry Supervisor was leaving, I interviewed and got the job.
Pictured: Beth Sherrard sharing tea and snacks with pantry volunteers Wendy, Joan, and Walter at April’s Volunteer Appreciation Week Afternoon Tea.
Q: How many people do you currently serve in the pantry on a regular basis and how have you seen that number increase in the last year?
A: From 2023 to 2024, we saw the number of families visiting the pantry increase by 70%. And in comparing the first four months of 2024 to 2025, we’re up another 42% in terms of how many families visit us weekly. On average, we’re serving 730 families per week in the pantry, representing approximately 2,300 people. This includes about 50 new families every week who are signing up for pantry services and picking up groceries. And on the daily, we are serving 128 families with groceries, representing about 384 people.
“You don’t really know what Lunch Break does until you’re volunteering or employed here. There’s so many programs and services and so much going on; I think the average person thinks it’s just food.” -Beth Sherrard
Beth and volunteers at Summer Breeze Boondocks Lunch Break fundraiser
Staff Movement Arts class in our multi-purpose Training Room
Beth and Caitlin supervising the bounce houses at the Community Picnic
Q: Please share a story that inspired you during your time as the Your Choice Pantry Supervisor.
A: I’m inspired every day. I love what we do and the people that do it. I get inspired by people who come in for housing and food, and then they go through the Life Skills or Family Promise programs, and you get to see the transformation, it’s amazing. It’s incredibly heartwarming to see people get back on their feet by getting a job or securing housing.
Something else that inspires me is the volunteers. I’ve heard from so many volunteers in the pantry who say that this work gives them so much enjoyment and purpose, it fills their cup and often does just as much for them as it does for the people we serve.
And the Your Choice Pantry model itself – guests are paired up with a volunteer who guides them through the pantry and informs them what is available and in what quantities for their family size, and the shopper is able to choose what they want according to their family’s specific needs. I’ve had guests come in for services, who get really emotional over the experience of reaching the point of needing a food pantry. But then they come through and get what they need and are treated with such respect, dignity and autonomy that they end up feeling so much better. When they walk in they are paired with a volunteer and I’ve seen people immediately put at ease by the volunteers who shop with them, share friendly conversation and form relationships with them. Most clients come on the same day every week, as do a lot of the volunteers, so often what we’re seeing is that they get to know each other, they’re happy to see each other, often even catching up on topics they previously discussed. And you don’t get that experience when you’re just handing someone food in a bag – it’s the Your Choice Pantry model that makes that experience and those relationships possible.
Q: How does school summer break affect Lunch Break families?
A: During the summer months when school’s out, school age children aren’t getting the meals they are typically provided in school, often both breakfast and lunch. This lack of school meals leaves it up to the family to provide more food than is typically necessary during the school year, which puts a significant strain on food insecure and low-income families.
Q: How can concerned neighbors help us this summer?
- Donate Food: For example, doing a drive for needed items. Try collaborating with your neighbors, school, church or community group! Students who organize drives and fundraisers are eligible to receive Service Hours for their efforts.
- Donate Funds: Start a birthday fundraiser or try hosting a party and instead of guests bringing a host gift, ask for donations to Lunch Break to help fund all of our vital programs. When you donate funds, we are able to stretch that money further than may be possible for the average person at the grocery store, because we are able to save by buying food in bulk.
- Spread the Word & Advocate: We are seeing a constantly increasing demand for services, as nonprofits across the country are not receiving necessary aid from the government. If SNAP benefits are cut, we’re likely going to see a major influx of people looking for our services. Help us help our neighbors in need by advocating for public assistance programs.
- Volunteer: Interested in joining the work we do at Lunch Break in the Your Choice Pantry or one of our many other departments? Contact Angela Jackson at ajackson@lunchbreak.org for more information.
- Join Project Citizen Gardener: Are you a farmer or home gardener? Join the Project Citizen Gardener (PCG) initiative by dedicating a row of produce to Lunch Break. Produce is one of our most in demand items, as well as one of the most expensive to purchase. Project Citizen Gardener was started to source produce for our neighbors in need from local growers to help keep our community happy and healthy.
From left to right: Beth Sherrard, Bonnie Featherstone-Johnson, Alexa Payton, Gabbie Tanella, Tracey Stewart, Adam Smith
If you would like to donate food, here are the most consistent pantry needs:
- Meat (chicken or beef) – Protein is the number one item pantry guests need.
- Fruit and Vegetables – #2 most in demand item
- Almond Milk or Oat Milk (shelf stable, plain & unsweetened) 50% of pantry shoppers use alternative milks
- Oatmeal packets
- Dried beans
- Baby diapers & Adult diapers
- Sanitary wipes
- Personal Care Items (Deodorant, body wash, toothpaste)
- Canned fruits and vegetables, Soup (Low sodium & low sugar)
For more information on what the pantry needs, please refer to our website.
