Hillsborough Township Refines Community Assistance Network Services to Focus on Wellness and Emergency Support

Weekly pantry appointments to conclude Friday, July 24th

HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. — Hillsborough Township is entering a new chapter for the Community Assistance Network (C.A.N.) by strategically realigning its services to better meet the evolving needs of the public. As part of this transition, the Township will be phasing out its weekly food pantry program, with the final appointments scheduled for Friday, July 24th. While the weekly pantry is ending, the Township remains committed to its popular seasonal distributions, ensuring that the Spring Holiday, BBQ, Back-to-School, Thanksgiving, and Winter Holiday programs continue to support local families.

For nearly forty years, the C.A.N. food pantry has served as a vital lifeline for hundreds of residents each year. This incredible legacy was built on the back of community spirit, fueled by the unwavering generosity of Hillsborough residents, volunteers, local schools, scouting groups, businesses, and faith-based organizations. The Township wishes to extend its deepest, most sincere gratitude to everyone who poured their time and resources into making the pantry a success for four decades.

This shift reflects a significant and positive change in the regional landscape. Today, Somerset County’s food-assistance network is more robust than ever, with approximately 35 active distribution resources. Organizations like The Food Bank Network of Somerset County and Feeding Hands have significantly expanded their capacity and operate multiple locations, leaving them well-equipped to provide specialized, consistent support to Hillsborough residents facing food insecurity.

With this strong regional safety net in place, Hillsborough Township is redirecting its energy toward the wraparound services that have always been at the heart of C.A.N.’s mission. By moving away from direct food shelf management, the Township can focus more intensely on essential community well-being initiatives. These include nutrition and wellness education, financial stability resources, fraud prevention awareness, and programs dedicated to both physical and mental health.

Beyond these educational initiatives, C.A.N. will maintain its critical role in emergency response. The Township will continue to provide warming and cooling centers, charging stations, and temporary housing assistance to help residents navigate natural disasters or personal crises.

For those in the community who wish to keep giving, the Township encourages residents to direct their food donations to the local pantries and community partners that specialize in direct distribution. Public support is also still very much welcomed for the Township’s ongoing seasonal distributions and its new, expanded wellness programs.

“Through thoughtful planning and responsible resource allocation, Hillsborough Township remains committed to meeting the needs of a changing population and fostering a strong, connected community for residents of all ages,” said Mayor Catherine Payne.