Programs & Services

The Branches Outreach Center – 201 Hirst Avenue, Rio Grande, NJ

Warm breakfast is served Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 10:30 am at The Branches Outreach Center. 

Freshly prepared lunch is served Monday through Friday 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at The Branches Outreach Center. 

All are welcome but IDs are requested on the first visit. If you need assistance obtaining an ID, you can contact us here. 

Donated food for meal distribution is required to be prepared in an inspected kitchen adhering to all food donation requirements.

Our Food Pantry is located at 3401 Rt. 47, Unit AJ, Rio Grande, NJ – in the Village Shoppes Center

The Food Pantry offers free perishable and non-perishable groceries, personal care items, and some household items based on family size.

Our Hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 9 am and 12 pm.

In order to ensure adequate supplies guests from zip codes 08251, 08204, and 08242 are regularly served through The Branches Outreach Pantry. Guests outside these three zip codes are encouraged to utilize the food pantry closest to their location. Our staff is happy to assist in locating a closer food pantry. Personal grocery delivery is not available outside of the locations served via our mobile delivery van.

If you need assistance obtaining an ID, come by the Outreach Center, M-F; 8:30 am-1 pm.

Mobile Food Pantry 

Food is also delivered to two local motels where families reside and to local recovery houses.

For information on donating to the food pantry please see our list of accepted items.

SNAP Benefits (Formerly Food Stamps)

You can enroll in the NJ food assistance program SNAP here:

For assistance enrolling, the Community Food Bank of NJ can provide help applying. 

Clothing & Personal Care Items
Guests of The Branches Outreach Center can request free clothing, shoes, and personal care items. Guests needing appropriate clothing for interviews, jobs, or other occasions can request a thrift store voucher. Services are offered Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 1 pm.

Guests of The Branches Outreach Center have access to free haircuts monthly. Check the calendar for dates and times.

Showers
Guests of The Branches Outreach Center can request to take a shower Monday – Friday between 8:30 am and 1 pm. Towels and toiletries are provided. Unopened toiletries and used towels can be donated. See donation details here.

Health
Guests of The Branches Outreach Center have access to services including basic health screenings, education on disease prevention, and addiction support Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 1 pm. See the calendar of events for program details.

Guests of The Branches Outreach Center can request to meet privately with a trained advocate for assistance with navigating local social service agencies for housing, substance abuse, mental health, employment, and legal issues Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 1 pm.

The Branches Outreach does not provide housing vouchers. Clients can meet with a trained advocate to discuss housing services in the area between 8:30 and 1 pm, M – F.

Those in need of housing should contact Cape May Social Services:
Social Services | Cape May County, NJ – Official Website
3801 Route 9 S, Unit 4, Rio Grande, NJ 08242
Phone: 609-886-6200 | Email: social.services@co.cape-may.nj.us

More information to come.