The Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges (IFPO), a local organization providing supplemental and emergency food to low-income residents in Orange and East Orange, is the recent recipient of a challenge grant.  The grant was given by the Good People Fund, a township-based organization which offers financial support and mentorship to small, effective initiatives dedicated to repairing the world.

IFPO is a joint effort of four religious institutions: Christ Church and Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in the township, and Congregation Beth El and Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel in South Orange. IFPO operates out of the Church of the Epiphany  in Orange.

“The IFPO is a great example of not only interfaith cooperation but also neighboring communities stepping up to offer help where it is needed,” says Naomi Eisenberger, executive director of the Good People Fund.

IFPO’s board members are active volunteers in the organization, arranging volunteer schedules, stocking the pantry, coordinating deliveries and anything else needed to insure that the operation runs smoothly.

“The IFPO has been helping families for nearly 20 years with food assistance in a dignified and respectful way,” explains Jodi Cooperman, a member of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun and treasurer of IFPO. “We are very happy to be connected with the Good People Fund and the network of grantees they have built.”

Supported by food drives and monetary donations from member congregations, businesses and private individuals as well as other organizations, IFPO exemplifies how an organization can use its creative vision to help meet basic human needs, while operating with very low overhead and generating inspiring results.

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