Montgomery Health Officer Warns of Growing Food Insecurity, Urges Long-Term Planning

Nicholas Mistretta

At the May 15 Montgomery Township Committee meeting, Health Officer Devangi Patel delivered a sobering report on the growing issue of food insecurity in the community, calling on township leaders to begin integrating food access into both long-term strategic and emergency planning.

Patel’s update summarized the findings of a December 2024 township-wide food insecurity survey, conducted by Adrija Gadamsetty—a Montgomery High School alumna, resident, and current Public Health candidate. The report revealed not only a rising number of residents relying on food assistance, but also troubling signs that what was once considered short-term need is now evolving into long-term dependency.

“We are not equipped to scale up,” Patel said, highlighting that all three of Montgomery’s current food pantries are strained for space and resources—particularly as demand grows. “Food insecurity is not just about food—it’s a symptom of greater needs, including mental health challenges, housing instability, and a lack of support systems.”

Montgomery’s three active food pantries include:

• The Princeton Elks Pantry, the largest, currently serving about 44 families (roughly 150 individuals). The pantry is run by Ellen Robbins, who recently announced plans to shut down the facility in September.
• The Otto Kaufman Community Center Pantry, which served 40 families at the time of the survey and has since grown to support 60. Patel noted this number is expected to rise.
• The Montgomery Free Evangelical Church Pantry, a smaller operation assisting around 10 families.

Patel pointed to key barriers cited by food pantry users in the survey: unreliable transportation, inconsistent hours, limited access to information about the pantries, and social stigma. “We don’t have dedicated staff or volunteers,” she added, “and the hours of operation are based solely on staff availability.”

One of the most alarming indicators is the sharp rise in free and reduced lunch program enrollment in Montgomery schools—a 68.5% increase in just one year from 2023 to 2024. “This is one of the most telling signs,” Patel said. “We are seeing more social services-related calls and expect that number to keep rising.”

The populations currently seeking assistance are diverse: families facing circumstantial hardship such as job loss, new residents unfamiliar with local resources, those in affordable housing, undocumented individuals, and some senior citizens. Patel noted a key shift: “In the past, many who received temporary help would later return as donors. That’s not happening anymore. We’re now looking at families who need support for months, even years.”

She urged the committee to take the issue seriously. “Please be aware of the changing dynamics in our community. This requires more than an ad hoc solution. We need a long-term plan.”

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com