The Board of Trustees of the German Christmas Market of NJ presented the Sussex County Division of Social Services with a $2,000 grant award to support the vital services provided by its food pantry. Sussex County Commissioner Director Chris Carney, Commissioner Alan Henderson, and Health and Human Services Administrator Christine Florio attended the annual Giving Back event at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on March 9, 2025 to accept the award. The German Christmas Market of NJ is a non-profit foundation that hosts an annual community event in Sussex County to celebrate the Christmas Holiday. The foundation then distributes the proceeds back into the community in the form of grant awards and in-kind donations to Sussex County charities and non-profits.
The Social Services food pantry provides food to residents in need throughout Sussex County. The pantry is managed by volunteers who ensure that food is available at all times and operates solely by donations. The pantry also operates a BackPack Snacks for Kids program, which provides Sussex County children in participating school districts with nutritious meals and snacks for the weekend and during school breaks. All donations remain in Sussex County and directly benefit our residents in need.
“The pantry serves over 20,000 people annually and distributes approximately 1,300 backpack snack bags each month to children in need in local schools,” stated Deputy Director/Health and Human Services Liaison Jill Space. “The need continues to increase while donations have decreased, which makes every food drive and grant opportunity more important in order to serve our neighbors who may be experiencing food insecurity.”
“Each and every donation is deeply appreciated,” stated Director Carney. “I cannot thank the Board of Trustees enough for their hard work and contributions to our community and for recognizing the need that exists in Sussex County.” The County of Sussex, Department of Health and Human Services, and Division of Social Services sincerely thank the Board of Trustees for this grant opportunity and supporting its mission to improve the quality of life of its residents.
If anyone is in need of food for themselves or their family, they can stop by the Division of Social Services located at 83 Spring Street in Newton, NJ, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Food or pet donations are accepted during these hours or special arrangements can be made for after-hours donations by calling 973-383-3600.