Message from Councilmember Ellen Zimmerman – November 13, 2026

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, many of us are looking forward to gathering with family and friends, enjoying a traditional holiday meal and reflecting on the many blessings in our lives.

I am also asking that we consider our neighbors who are struggling to put food on the table.

Food insecurity is a concern throughout Union County, including here in Scotch Plains. According to New Jersey’s Food Security County Chartbook, an estimated 10.9% of Union County residents — more than 62,000 people — experience food insecurity.

These are not just statistics. They represent neighbors struggling to make ends meet, seniors living on fixed incomes and working parents facing difficult choices between groceries, housing, utilities and medical expenses.

And these challenges do not disappear simply because we live in a community like Scotch Plains.

Food insecurity is not always visible. Our neighbors may be struggling quietly, reluctant to ask for assistance or unaware of the resources available to them. Some may have never needed help before but now find themselves turning to local food pantries as household expenses and inflation continue to strain their budgets.

Fortunately, Scotch Plains is home to compassionate residents, dedicated volunteers and community organizations that work throughout the year to help families facing hunger.

Among these resources are the Immaculate Heart of Mary Food Pantry, at 1571 South Martine Ave., and the St. Bartholomew Food Pantry, at 2032 Westfield Ave., which have served our community for decades.

We are also fortunate to have the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, based in Hillside, which supports hunger-relief efforts throughout our region. Its annual Thanksgiving turkey drive is an important reminder of the tremendous generosity of New Jersey residents and the continuing need for food assistance.

Our local supermarkets are also part of the solution. Through its Partners in Caring program, ShopRite supports food pantries, soup kitchens and other organizations fighting hunger throughout New Jersey.

These efforts deserve our appreciation, but they also need our continued support.

Thanksgiving is traditionally a time when people generously donate food, organize collections and volunteer to help those less fortunate. These contributions make a meaningful difference, especially as food pantries prepare to serve families during the holiday season.

However, I encourage everyone to remember that hunger is not limited to Thanksgiving or the winter holiday season. 

As someone who worked in a food pantry for years, I can attest that hunger is a year-round challenge, and our local service organizations need consistent donations and volunteers long after the holiday decorations have been put away.

There are many ways to help. Consider donating nonperishable food, making a financial contribution to a local pantry or volunteering your time. Even a small contribution can make a meaningful difference for a neighbor who is struggling.

For those who need assistance, the township maintains a list of local food pantry locations. I encourage residents to share this information with anyone who might benefit.

As an elected official and a longtime resident, I am grateful to live in a community where neighbors look out for one another. The generosity of our residents, houses of worship, local businesses and volunteers is one of the many things that makes Scotch Plains such a special place.

This Thanksgiving, as we count our blessings, let us also think about how we can also share them.