title
Resolution of the Mayor and Council of Princeton Authorizing Agreement With Princeton Mobile Food Pantry for Temporary Use of 237 North Harrison Street
body
WHEREAS, in 2010 the Princeton Mobile Food Pantry (“Organization”) provides essential support to over 1,300 neighbors in Princeton, particularly families connected to Princeton Public Schools, by delivering biweekly packages of fresh, culturally relevant proteins, fruits, vegetables, and other household items, sourced from partners such as McCaffrey's Markets and Mercer Street Friends, as well as donations of shelf-stable food, books, toys, hygiene supplies, and clothing; and
WHEREAS, the Organization is an IRS §501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization, and does not charge any fees in connection with operation of the food pantry; and
WHEREAS, the Organization currently utilizes free commercial space of the Princeton Shopping Center on Harrison Street that will no longer be available; and
WHEREAS, presently the Organization operates the food pantry from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every other Wednesday, through the use of the services of approximately 20 volunteers at any given time, who pack and distribute food every two weeks to an average of 250 homes in the Princeton area; and
WHEREAS, these volunteers, alongside a team of drivers, are responsible for delivering over 600 bags of groceries, ensuring that fresh food reaches families directly to their doorsteps; and
WHEREAS, Princeton has offered the Organization the ability to utilize a portion of the former PFARS building at 237 North Harrison Street for purposes of operating the Store on a temporary basis and until the Organization is able to secure a more permanent location for operation of same; and
WHEREAS, the Deputy Administrator/Director of Health and Director of Human Services recommends that Princeton provide space at 237 North Harrison Street for purposes of enabling the Organization to operate the food pantry, which provides a valuable service to members of the community who are in need of same; and
WHEREAS, there shall be no cost to either party for this Agreement, and the term of this Agreement shall initially continue until January 1, 2027, and thereafter, the term shall continue on a month-to-month basis but not to exceed a completion date of June 30, 2027; and
WHEREAS, the Local Public Contracts Law authorizes Princeton to formally award this agreement without public bidding under N.J.S.A. 40A:11-6.1.