Diocesan Ministries Appeal helps Paterson food pantry expand services so thousands can achieve self-sufficiency

Diomary and her family have hit a few financial potholes since moving from Passaic to Paterson nine months ago.

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Diomary finds it difficult to get work — in a supermarket, factory, or house to clean. She and her husband struggle to make ends meet. He has a minimum-wage job, while their monthly rent is $1,900 (without utilities) for the two-bedroom apartment they share with their son.

Last Friday, Diomary lined up with 250 other people in need at the door of the Father English Center Food Pantry at a temporary location in Paterson. Each month, the food pantry feeds thousands of people in the city — a need that increases. Clients can visit the pantry twice monthly.

“I come to the food pantry to help my husband. It gives us about $400 a month in meat, dairy, vegetables, fruit, and baked goods. We use that money for rent or utilities,” said Diomary, who has been coming to Father English for nine months. “The groceries are fresh and taste great, especially our family’s favorites: fruits, muffins, and bread.”

The Diocesan Ministries Appeal (DMA) is funding a major renovation of the Father English Food Pantry and its supportive services on Main Street in Paterson to improve service to clients. This year’s DMA campaign is now underway in the diocese under the theme “United in Faith, Hope, Love.”

The Father English facility houses one of three food pantries of Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese. Together, they feed more than 22,000 people monthly.

Last year, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney committed $200,000 annually for three years in DMA funds to the Father English Food Pantry project, now in progress. The food pantry has been temporarily located at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center at 35 Getty Avenue in Paterson.

“Demand for our food pantries has increased. Food prices and rent keep going up. More people are coming here,” said Carlos Roldan, director of the three food pantries. “Catholic Charities is committed to improving the quality of life for all and helping families achieve security and self-sufficiency. Without the support of Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and the diocesan faithful, we wouldn’t exist.”

Catholic Charities benefits from the funds raised through the annual DMA. The agency consists of Catholic Family & Community Services; Straight & Narrow substance -abuse treatment program in Paterson; and the Department for Persons with Disa-bilities.

The DMA also supports inner-city Catholic schools, seminarian education, and priests’ healthcare, including Nazareth Village, home for retired diocesan priests in Chester.

The major renovations will upgrade accessibility to the Father English Food Pantry. These improvements will provide more room for delivery, bagging, and storage of food and space indoors for clients to wait for food in inclement weather.

Also, Catholic Charities wants to return clients to selecting their food in the pantry — a practice halted by COVID. Improvements also will include classrooms for instruction, clothing closets for the needy, and offices for staff who provide other services the center offers.

The additional financial support to the Father English Food Pantry will provide for capital improvements. They will enable the center to provide more — and better — social services to its clients, said Scott Milliken, CEO of Catholic Charities.

“Bishop Sweeney has been gracious to commit funds to the Father English Center, which will ensure its existence in the future. It also will help enhance our ongoing efforts to show dignity and respect to our clients,” Milliken said.

Catholic Charities receives support from the Diocesan Ministries Appeal. Please consider participating in the DMA. To donate or pledge online, visit Diocesan Ministries Appeal 2024. For more information, call 973-777-8818, ext. 215.