New Choice Food Pantry Breaks Ground in Bayonne This July

The press conference starts at 11 a.m. on a Monday in late July. But for the families who will walk through the doors of 685 Broadway later this year, that moment has been a long time coming.

On July 27, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and Bayonne Mayor Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski will stand together on a patch of ground at 685 Broadway to announce the groundbreaking of a new consumer choice food pantry. It’s not just another food bank. This one will let people choose their own groceries—just like they would at a regular store.

What’s happening?

The county is building a brand-new food pantry from the ground up. The facility will use a “consumer choice” model, which means instead of receiving a pre-packed box of items they may or may not use, residents will walk through the pantry and select the foods that fit their families’ needs. Fresh produce, dairy, proteins, shelf-stable goods—whatever they choose.

The building will be constructed with union labor. The county says it’s a major investment in expanding food access across Hudson County. The project is being led by the Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services, under Director Darice Toon. Patrick Kelleher, president of the Hudson County Building and Construction Trades Council, will also be at the event.

How did we get here?

Food insecurity has been a quiet crisis in Hudson County for years. Even before the pandemic, one in ten residents struggled to put food on the table. After 2020, that number jumped. And while emergency food distribution helped, advocates say the traditional model left something behind: dignity.

You’d get a bag of whatever was available. Maybe you don’t eat canned beans. Maybe your kid is allergic to peanut butter. Maybe you’re watching your sodium. A one-size-fits-all box doesn’t work for most families. The consumer choice model is a national trend that’s been gaining traction because it respects the fact that people know their own needs best.

What it means for Bayonne

Bayonne is a city of about 71,000 people, wedged between the Bay and Newark Bay. It’s a place where many families are just getting by. A new pantry here means a shorter trip for residents who used to travel to Jersey City or Hoboken for help. It means more fresh food in neighborhoods that lack full-service grocery stores.

For a parent packing school lunches the night before, it means being able to pick out the yogurt their kid actually eats instead of throwing away something they won’t touch. For a senior on a fixed income, it means choosing low-sodium soups instead of whatever’s in the box. It’s a small change that makes a real difference in how people feel about asking for help.

What people are saying

County Executive Craig Guy has emphasized that this isn’t just about food—it’s about respect. “Every resident deserves access to nutritious food in a setting that honors their dignity,” he said in the announcement.

Mayor Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski echoed that sentiment, calling the pantry a “game-changer” for Bayonne families. Darice Toon, the county’s health and human services director, noted that the pantry is part of a broader effort to address the root causes of hunger, not just the symptoms.

Union leaders have also expressed support. Patrick Kelleher said the project will create good-paying construction jobs for local trades workers.

What comes next

The press conference is set for Monday, July 27, at 11 a.m. at 685 Broadway. Press should arrive by 10:30 a.m. The groundbreaking will follow the remarks. Construction is expected to take several months, with the pantry opening sometime in 2027.

Residents who want to learn more can contact the Hudson County Department of Health and Human Services. There’s no word yet on a volunteer sign-up or donation drive, but those details are likely coming once the building is up.

For now, Bayonne residents can mark their calendars. And maybe start thinking about what they’d pick first off the shelf.