St. Francis Food Pantry Featured in Bay Magazine

“Hidden in Plain Sight” highlights the Food Pantry’s work to address food insecurity in our community.

We are honored to have the St. Francis Food Pantry featured in the Fall 2026 issue of Bay Magazine. The article, titled “Hidden in Plain Sight,” offers an inside look at the growing need for food assistance on Long Beach Island and the people working together to ensure that no neighbor faces hunger alone.

The feature shares how food insecurity can often go unnoticed in a seasonal community like ours. Behind the beauty of Long Beach Island are local families, older adults, individuals, and seasonal workers who may struggle to afford groceries while managing housing, healthcare, and other essential expenses.

The article also highlights the significant increase in demand experienced by the Food Pantry. Household visits grew from 2,625 in 2023 to 3,068 in 2025, an increase of nearly 17 percent. Meeting that growing need requires the continued dedication of our volunteers, donors, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.

In addition to providing groceries through the Food Pantry, St. Francis works to reach neighbors who may be unable to visit in person. The Healthy Home Meals Delivery Program brings groceries directly to homebound seniors, helping ensure that some of our community’s most vulnerable residents receive the support they need.

Every donation, volunteer shift, food drive, and community partnership strengthens this shared mission. We are deeply grateful to everyone who continues to support the St. Francis Food Pantry and helps make its work possible.

A heartfelt thank-you to Bay Magazine for bringing greater awareness to food insecurity in our community. We also thank Lisa Simek for thoughtfully telling the Food Pantry’s story and Born by the Sea Photography for capturing the people and work behind this important mission.

Read “Hidden in Plain Sight” in the Fall 2026 issue of Bay Magazine.