LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. — It's been a challenging two years, but the Delaware Valley Food Pantry (DVFP) is finally back at home serving its clients at the CVS Shopping Center in Lambertville.

The upheaval began in March 2020 when the pandemic forced the pantry to stop inviting clients inside and moved everything outdoors so it could continue operating safely.

"In rain and shine, freezing and sweltering weather, we stayed open and provided food to our community members who needed it," said C.J. Lonoff, pantry president.

"We signed in our clients. We prepackaged bags. And we asked them at the door whether they needed anything from the freezer or refrigerator. We then had runners going inside to get things. We made the operation work."

But just when they thought things were getting better, in September 2021 the pantry was displaced after the remnants from hurricane Ida flooded the building's basement and damaged its electrical system, which had to be repaired.

That's when the Centenary United Methodist Church on Union Street stepped in to help offering an outside area for the pantry to operate. So again, the pantry relocated inventory and volunteers and began serving the community outside the church.

Five months later, repairs were completed on the electrical system on Cherry Street and the pantry moved its operations back to its home base. And as of March, its clients have been welcomed indoors again to select their food.

"We want people to know that we're here, we're open again and we're here to help," said Lonoff. "With inflation and gas prices, it's been very difficult for people. We're open and we are serving the community."

The pantry is unique in that clients are invited to come inside and shop on their own.

"The addition of shopping carts, thanks to Giant, allows our clients to move easily down the aisles, enhancing their shopping experience," said Linda Hutchins, the pantry's inventory manager.

"It makes them feel more independent, that they are making choices themselves. It's almost like they are going to the supermarket," said Lonoff.

The pantry is open to anyone who needs it regardless of income. It partners with Norwescap, a nonprofit regional food bank based in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, that provides food donations to the two pantries in Lambertville and about a dozen other food pantries in northwest New Jersey.

The local pantry also receives regular donations from local residents, organizations and from Giant, McCaffrey's Food Market, ShopRite in Flemington, New Jersey, and from Wawa.

"We are so glad to be home and so grateful to everyone who helps us," said Lonoff. "It has been a real blessing. We are here and serving people again - inside."

Delaware Valley Food Pantry has been feeding families in the Lambertville/New Hope region since 1955. Each month the pantry helps more than 1,000 people who are in need of food. The pantry is staffed by volunteers and supported by the community and donations.

The pantry is open on Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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