I Know Somebody For That
Ponds Food Pantry — Fighting Food Insecurity in Oakland, NJ
Ponds Food Pantry, housed at Ponds Reformed Church at 341 Ramapo Valley Rd in Oakland, NJ, is the designated emergency food pantry for northwest Bergen County — serving neighbors with an urgent nutritional need with respect and dignity. In this episode of our series, the Chopper Russo Team highlights one of the local organizations doing vital work right here in our community.
- Location
- Ponds Reformed Church, 341 Ramapo Valley Rd, Oakland, NJ 07436
- Pantry Hours
- Tuesday 10AM–1PM · Thursday 3PM–7PM · Saturday 10AM–1PM
- Who It Serves
- Anyone with an urgent nutritional need — everyone is welcome, with no special requirements. A "choice pantry" where guests shop for themselves.
- Questions
- pantrydirector@pondsnj.org (Director Michele Weintraub)
About Ponds Food Pantry
Ponds Food Pantry opened in 2011 with just a closet full of food. In the years since, it has grown into the designated emergency food pantry for northwest Bergen County, strengthening families with respect and dignity. As a "choice pantry," it allows guests to shop for themselves — preserving dignity and reducing waste — and it's open to anyone with an urgent nutritional need, with no special requirements to receive help.
The need is real and growing. Rising costs and reductions in SNAP benefits have left many local neighbors — including families working multiple jobs, caregivers, seniors, veterans, and people facing medical hardships — making difficult choices between paying bills and putting food on the table. Ponds works alongside other Oakland congregations and community partners as part of a broader, interfaith effort to make sure no neighbor goes hungry. The pantry is also part of a larger ministry that includes Community Table (a free monthly community meal) and Soul to Soul (diapers, wipes, and formula for mothers in need).
It's exactly the kind of organization that makes a community strong — neighbors caring for neighbors — which is why we wanted to feature them.
How You Can Help
Volunteer: Lend your time during pantry operations. Sign up here.
Donate money: Give online, by check payable to "Ponds Food Pantry," or via Venmo @pondschurch.
Donate food & essentials: Unexpired food (including refrigerated and frozen) is accepted during pantry hours. Nonperishable food and items can also be left in the outdoor drop box behind Ponds Church, or in the donation bins at ShopRite in Oakland and the Oakland Public Library. Toiletry, hygiene, and paper items are especially needed — these can't be purchased with SNAP benefits.
Why We Spotlight Organizations Like Ponds Food Pantry
The Chopper Russo Team is your local real estate resource for Oakland and Bergen County, NJ. We created "I Know Somebody For That" to spotlight the people and organizations that make our community a great place to live — because knowing your town means knowing your neighbors. We're proud to call Oakland home, and prouder still of the neighbors who look out for one another here.
If you're able to give your time, food, or support, the pantry would be grateful — and if you ever need a hand yourself, know that everyone is welcome.
Ponds Food Pantry — Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ponds Food Pantry located?
Ponds Food Pantry is housed at Ponds Reformed Church, 341 Ramapo Valley Rd, Oakland, NJ 07436.
When is Ponds Food Pantry open?
The pantry is open Tuesday 10AM–1PM, Thursday 3PM–7PM, and Saturday 10AM–1PM.
Who can receive help from Ponds Food Pantry?
Anyone with an urgent nutritional need is welcome. There are no special requirements, and it's a "choice pantry" where guests shop for themselves. Everyone is welcome.
How can I donate to Ponds Food Pantry?
You can donate money online, by check payable to "Ponds Food Pantry," or via Venmo @pondschurch. Food and essential items can be dropped off during pantry hours, in the drop box behind Ponds Church, or in bins at ShopRite Oakland and the Oakland Public Library. Toiletry, hygiene, and paper items are especially needed.
How can I volunteer at Ponds Food Pantry?
Volunteers can sign up online through the pantry's SignUpGenius page. Questions can be directed to Director Michele Weintraub at pantrydirector@pondsnj.org.