Webinar series seeks to support parish food pantries as demand increases
A 2024 report from the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate said that food insecurity was increasing in the state. “From 2019 to 2022, food insecurity in New Jersey has worsened, changing from 8.6% overall and 9.9% among children to 10.7% overall and 13.2% among children,” the report stated.
With the continuing rise in food prices and reductions in benefits like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), the problem is expected to intensify. According to Father Timothy Graff, Secretary of Parish Ministry and Vitality for the Archdiocese of Newark, parish food pantries are facing an increased demand for their services.
“There is an ever-growing problem with food insecurity in the present economy,” Father Graff told Jersey Catholic. “More people are using our food pantries, not less.”
Parish food pantries are independent operations, run and staffed by parishes and volunteers. That does not mean they are alone in this challenging moment, however.
Food pantry webinars
Over the next nine months, the Archdiocese of Newark will offer a series of Parish Food Pantry Webinars that will bring together parish food pantries, allowing them to learn from one another and build for the future.
“Some parish food programs have already been collaborating,” Father Graff said. “The webinar series will build on that, providing parishes with an assessment tool and helping them discover new ways to expand their impact.”
How can pantries be more sensitive to the needs of their clients? What is the best way to serve immigrants who may be afraid of standing in line outside of a church? What are the most effective ways to recruit and support volunteers?
Those are just a few of the questions that the webinar sessions will address, drawing upon successful models and programs across the country.
“This is just a first step,” Father Graff stressed, “but it’s an important one. Many food pantries have been operating for a long time with the same people. That certainly works, but eventually we also have to bring in new people and new ideas — especially in a challenging climate like this one.”
Below is a list of the webinars by date with registration links:
September 26, 2025 – Food Pantry Self-Assessment
This webinar will allow you to perform an evaluation to discover your pantry’s strengths and possible areas of growth. Register HERE.
October 28, 2025 – Food Pantry Accessibility and Welcome
To best serve your clients, they should be able to access your pantry physically and feel respected throughout their experience. Register HERE.
December 3, 2025 – Intake Process
How are your clients processed when they arrive for the first time? Learn to process in a way that allows pantry personnel to collect needed data while allowing clients to feel cared for. Register HERE.
January 29, 2026 – Food Sourcing
Collecting food and donations can be a challenge. This webinar will show how pantries successfully handle the process. Register HERE.
February 23, 2026 – Food Distribution
During COVID, food distribution was forced to become a bit more creative. Learn how other parishes adopted new ways of distributing food to their clients. Register HERE.
March 31, 2026 – Healthy Options
Find out how parishes have been able to share healthy food options – from collecting gift cards to starting a community garden. Register HERE.
April 29, 2026 – Volunteers
Finding and keeping volunteers is the greatest challenge for any Food Pantry. Learn how to care for your volunteers and show appreciation for their time and talent. Register HERE.
May 28, 2026 – Pantry Leadership and Sustainability
Food Pantries depend on their leaders for sustained service and growth. This webinar will cover how to support leaders and strengthen the sustainability of the ministry. Register HERE.
June 9, 2026 – Next Steps and an Annual Plan
Now that you understand your ministry better, how can you put together a plan and decide your next steps? This webinar will guide you through the process. Register HERE.
For more information about the Archdiocese of Newark’s Food Pantry Webinars, contact Fr. Timothy Graff at Timothy.Graff@rcan.org.
