Mercy House receives Hunger Hero Award
Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services Food Security Task Force awarded The Mercy House of Jersey City a Hunger Hero Award at its inaugural Food Security Summit.
The Summit, organized by the Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services, took place in Jersey City at Saint Peter’s University on May 22 and was attended by public health experts and community stakeholders. It included a panel discussion and award presentations for the Hudson County Hunger Hero Pantry and Hunger Hero Food Provider. The keynote speaker was Director Mark Dinglasan of the NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate.
The Task Force was formed in 2021 as the COVID-19 Pandemic highlighted the need for more food assistance in Hudson County where 11% of its residents live in food-insecure homes. The long-term impacts of the pandemic and inflation have only broadened the problem, according to Hudson County officials.
The county wanted to acknowledge the not-for-profits that feed residents in need every day. The award was created to recognize and celebrate the exceptional service of those pantries, soup kitchens, and food providers combatting hunger across Hudson County.
“Collaborative and strategic food security work at the county level is critical to NJ’s food security work. NJOFSA celebrates Hudson County’s food security summit and the ongoing work of the county’s food security task force,” said Mark Dinglasan, Executive Director of the NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA). “It’s through strong partnerships such as these that NJ can more effectively combat hunger and poverty at its root causes.”
The Mercy House was one of 11 not-for-profits honored with the Hunger Hero Awards.
Since December 2022, The Archdiocese of Newark’s Respect Life Office has provided Hudson County residents with a wide variety of assistance at 20 Greenville Ave.
Father Joseph Furnaguera of St. Paul the Apostle Church offered the parish-owned Greenville Avenue property to the Respect Life Office, which quickly converted several of the building’s first-floor rooms into storage spaces for the essentials it distributes. The Jersey City location provides nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture, and help finding work and housing to all who request assistance. The resource and referral center is open every Monday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with special giveaway events such as Christmas toys, Thanksgiving dinners, bookbags for the start of school, and Mother and Fathers’ Day swag bags.
The Mercy House staff also operates a Class C boarding house in the building, with paying tenants receiving three meals a day.
The Mercy House aims to bring Jesus’ teachings to life in Hudson County.
Annette Miller, Associate Director of the Office of Respect Life, who accepted the award said they were moved to be acknowledged for helping residents in Hudson County.
“The Mercy House embodies the Catholic Church’s mission — we’re helping the poor and the vulnerable and the homeless,” Cheryl Riley, Respect Life Office Director, said. “Whether it’s providing them with a warm coat or supplying a package of diapers for their baby, we’re out in the trenches giving people what they need. At the same time, we’re bringing them to Christ and letting them know the Church is always there for them.”
To inquire about donating to or volunteering at The Mercy House in Jersey City, contact Cheryl A. Riley at cheryl.riley@rcan.org. For more information on The Mercy House in general, visit www.rcan.org/offices-and-ministries/respect-life.
