ABOUT US
We're an independent nonprofit with a passion for ensuring no one goes
hungry in the community
Our organization is guided by a volunteer board of directors and supported by hundreds of dedicated volunteers. While we may not always know much about each other, we share a common purpose and together, we make a difference.
MISSION
At Hands of Hope, a non-profit community-based organization, we are dedicated to alleviating hunger through an efficient and effective centralized food distribution system. Our mission is to sustain good nutrition, health, and human dignity, enabling individuals to reach their full potential and silence the pain of hunger. Join us in making a difference in our community by donating food, making a monetary contribution, or volunteering your time. Together, we can fight hunger and foster hope.
OUR STORY
Founder: Jackie Gioedesky
In 1992, Hands of Hope, Inc. began serving the community as a food pantry, soup kitchen, and limited clothes closet. Today, the program continues to operate from St. James Church in Edison, NJ. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) community-based organization, Hands of Hope remains committed to providing an efficient and effective system for distributing food to alleviate hunger, one family at a time. We operate entirely with the help of volunteers, as we do not have any paid staff.​​In March 2020, in response to the onset of COVID-19, Hands of Hope revamped its operations to ensure the safety of our volunteers and clients. We transitioned to a drive-up model, allowing clients to remain in their cars while volunteers placed food directly into their vehicles. This method streamlined our process and enabled us to meet the increasing demand. Throughout the pandemic, our generous supporters continued to keep our shelves stocked and contributed over $300,000 in monetary and in-kind donations. ​Throughout late 2023 and early 2024, Hands of Hope faced another uphill challenge as the demand for food skyrocketed by nearly 40% compared to prior years. The board and volunteers worked tirelessly to increase donations and improve efficiency in the drive-thru line. We expanded our partnership with the Community Food Bank of NJ to ensure our shelves remained stocked and continued to meet the needs of our community.
OUR PANTRY
Hands of Hope has operated from the basement of St. James Episcopal Church since we began. Despite the space's modest size, our dedicated pantry manager, Kathy, and a team of amazing volunteers keep it meticulously organized and well-stocked. This organization helps us efficiently distribute food and essentials to those in need. Over the years, we've remodeled, expanded, and reorganized our facility, thanks to over $300,000 in HUD Block Grants. These grants have been crucial in funding repairs and improvements, helping us meet the growing needs of our community. Our commitment to supporting our community is unwavering, and we continually strive to enhance our facility and services. To learn more about our work, please click here.
Our Partners
We are proud to collaborate with a network of local food banks, churches, schools, and other organizations to provide our members with meals, groceries, and other essential resources. These partnerships enable us to offer comprehensive services to those in need, ensuring everyone in our community has access to nutritious food. We are deeply grateful for the support and efforts of our partners, who share our vision of a hunger-free community. Together, we work towards sustainable solutions, leveraging each other's strengths to maximize our impact and expand our reach, serving more individuals in need.