Hunger Pains: Feeding People in Central New Jersey

Mercer Street Friends Food Bank. Crisis Ministry of Princeton and Trenton. Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. These three organizations opened their doors in the 1980s and hoped that they would fill an immediate, temporary need for food. Today, these organizations and many others still exist to relieve the persistent problem of hunger among people in New Jersey. Food banks in New Jersey experienced a 25 percent increase in clients along with a 20 percent decline in food supplies and donations in 2008. The issue of hunger is not limited to people who are homeless, those who live in urban areas, or the elderly. The middle class, affected by layoffs, foreclosures or the rising cost of living, now seeks assistance at food banks and soup kitchens, too.

The Historical Society of Princeton’s exhibition, Hunger Pains,was on view from Tuesday, July 21 through Sunday, August 16, 2009, examined this timely issue. Through photographs, video, and interactive elements, the exhibition informed visitors about the nature of this far-reaching problem in New Jersey and the efforts of those who work to solve it. Visitors to the exhibition discovered that the response to the issue of hunger is to not only provide the immediate need for food, but to also address the related issues of employment, housing, and medical needs. Visitors also learned about the Community Gardens program of the organization Isles, Inc. What began as a beautification project has become a self-reliant way for community members to provide food for themselves and their neighbors. Hands-on activities that focused on nutrition engaged visitors with children and adults asked for their ideas to find solutions to the crisis.

HSP ran a food drive to benefit all three agencies from July 7 – August 16.  The following items were accepted:

Canned proteins (tuna, salmon, chicken, chili)
Shelf-stable milk (like Parmalat)
Peanut butter (no glass containers, please)
Canned potatoes
Cans of fruit, low-fructose

The Hunger Pains exhibition was part of the Historical Society of Princeton’s Community Outreach Initiative to examine human needs relevant to Princeton and the surrounding region. In the summer of 2008, HSP collaborated with the Arts Council of Princeton, the Princeton Public Library, and the Heart Gallery of New Jersey to present 100 Waiting Children, a photographic exhibition focusing on children in New Jersey’s foster care system. The Historical Society of Princeton is grateful to its partnering organizations to help make this exhibition possible.