The Summit Area YMCA is asking neighbors to help stock local pantry shelves before Thanksgiving, launching a weeklong food drive at three locations starting Monday, Nov. 2.

The drive comes as the YMCA's own food assistance program distributes thousands of pounds of food and hygiene supplies each year to families across Summit, Berkeley Heights, New Providence and Springfield. The program, run in partnership with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, serves residents who may lack transportation, are homebound with young children or are elderly, according to the YMCA's website. Food packages go out twice a month on the second and fourth Monday.

Demand at food pantries across New Jersey has been climbing. In November 2025, NJ Spotlight News reported that pantries statewide saw a surge in visitors around Thanksgiving. Assemblywoman Shama Haider (D-Bergen) told the outlet at the time, "Any pantry will tell you how exponentially the lines have increased."

Group exercise instructors are organizing the Summit Area YMCA drive, which runs through Sunday, Nov. 8, according to a YMCA blog post. Residents can drop off items at the welcome desks at the Berkeley Heights YMCA, the Summit YMCA or The Learning Circle YMCA. Collection containers will also be placed in the GX Studio and Cycle Studio at Berkeley Heights and in the Auditorium and Wellness Studio at Summit.

The YMCA is asking for Thanksgiving-focused staples: canned vegetables and beans, instant mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy mix, pasta, rice, peanut butter, cereal, breakfast bars, coffee and tea. Baking supplies are also on the list, including boxed pie crust, canned pie filling, pumpkin pie mix, brownie mix and cake mix. Shelf-stable drinks such as bottled juice, hot cocoa mix and apple cider round out the request. A full list is posted on the YMCA's website.

The week wraps up with three Cycle Against Hunger spin classes led by YMCA cycling staff:

  • Saturday, Nov. 7, 7 to 8 a.m. at Berkeley Heights YMCA with instructors Andy, Courtney and Mara
  • Saturday, Nov. 7, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Berkeley Heights YMCA with Monica and Dana
  • Sunday, Nov. 8, 8 to 9 a.m. at Summit YMCA with Andy, Courtney and Stewart

Riders can register through GXPro at thesay.org/classes. The YMCA says spots fill quickly.

Everything collected during the drive will go out at a scheduled food distribution on Monday, Nov. 9. The blog post said the timing is meant to help families plan their Thanksgiving meals.

Upcoming

  • Nov. 2–8: November Food Drive donations accepted at Berkeley Heights YMCA, Summit YMCA and The Learning Circle YMCA
  • Nov. 7–8: Cycle Against Hunger rides (registration at thesay.org/classes)
  • Nov. 9: Food distribution