Free restaurant meals available to Bergen residents in need

A number of local hunger-relief organizations are distributing free prepackaged meals weekly to Bergen County residents in need.

The meals are made possible through grants from the state's "Sustain and Serve NJ" initiative. The program was launched by the NJEDA to provide urgently needed revenue to New Jersey-based restaurants to offset direct losses due to COVID-19.

Local restaurants prepare and package the meals, which are then distributed by the participating charities.

Three such organizations distributing the meals are the Faith & Hope Food Pantry of Christ Episcopal Church in Teaneck, The Food Brigade Inc. in Dumont, and Our Community Dinner Table in Palisades Park.

Meal distribution schedules, and the guideline governing each, are as follows:

MONDAYS
When: 5:00-6:15PM (ends earlier if supply runs out)
Where: Faith & Hope Food Pantry, at Christ Episcopal Church, 480 Warwick Avenue, Teaneck

TUESDAYS
When: 4:30-6:30PM
How to Request: MUST PRE-REGISTER at https://meals.foodbrigade.org
Where: The Food Brigade, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 185 W. Madison Avenue, Dumont (parking lot behind church)
MEALS WILL BE GIVEN OUT ONLY TO THOSE WHO HAVE PREREGISTERED

THURSDAYS
When: 4:20-4:40PM (line-up begins at 4:00PM)
Guidelines: 1 meal per person; all family members must be present for all to receive meals; bring your own tote bag
Where: Our Community Dinner Table, Palisades Park Library, 257 2nd Street, Palisades Park (parking garage)

The participating restaurants include Red, White & Pasta in Englewood, My Recipe Italian Restaurant in Bergenfield, Cassie's Restaurant in Englewood, and Lula's Latin Cuisine in Bergenfield.