It’s a race to the Pesach finish line to see who collects the most food for The Teaneck Helping Hands Food Pantry, The Janice Preschel Project. Will more devoted fans send their donations to Noah’s Ark, the 2020 winner, or to Chopstix, this year joined by Dougie’s?
“For over 15 years, Noah’s Ark has been proud to sponsor, with Chopstix, the largest annual food drive for the Teaneck Food Pantry,” said Noam Sokolow, owner of Noah’s Ark Deli. Noah’s Ark staff and catering trucks bring their collection of donated food to the pantry. This year, Noah’s Ark is making it even easier to contribute. When you order food delivered from Noah’s Ark, you can give the driver your donation.
Elie Y. Katz, owner of Chopstix, hopes to top the amount contributed in 2020. The contest was not held last year due to the pandemic. “Two years ago, the challenge realized over 300 bags of cereal, pancake mix, flour, tuna, ketchup, diapers and toiletries for the Food Pantry, just as supplies were low and they were most in need,” Katz said. Dougie’s BBQ is joining the challenge this year, serving as the collection point for Chopstix donations due to it’s larger storage capacity.
“We love the competition. They make it fun,” said Karen Mcavoy, director of the Teaneck Food Pantry.
But it’s for a very serious purpose. “Food insecurity is real, it’s just not seen,” she said. Mcavoy said when she started in 2007, the pantry was giving out food to about 70 families a month. Now it serves between 500-700 monthly. “Our parking lot is full. The numbers are getting higher.”
The Pre-Pesach Annual Food Drive and Challenge helps keep the pantry’s shelves stocked and provides quality items. Mcavoy said she’s proud of the way the community comes together when there is a need. Mcavoy assumed leadership of the pantry after founding director Janice Preschel passed away in 2020 from COVID.
The contest runs through April 13. This year, instead of thinking up creative but under-appreciated meals to use up your chometz, bring unopened, non-refrigerated food to Dougies BBQ, 184 West Englewood Avenue, or Noah’s Ark, 493 Cedar Lane. Toiletries are also appreciated.
