Bergen County's food pantries database will bring more services to those in need
HACKENSACK — A new software system will help connect and manage Bergen County's 25 food pantries.
The database will improve the connection among the pantries while helping to connect individuals with other county services.
The new software
The Oasis Insights database software allows pantries to digitize client management and assistance records. It will provide scheduling tools for appointments at pantries and operates as a network allowing them to communicate and work collaboratively with the ability to request needed items and notify pantries about volunteer opportunities and events.
“A critical goal of the Food Security Task Force is to improve connectivity between food pantries and service providers, while also fostering a ‘no wrong door’ approach to service delivery,” said County Executive Jim Tedesco. “That way, no matter where the initial intake of a client takes place, pathways are in place to ensure those in need receive access to critical services and programs.”
How will Oasis work?
The implantation of Oasis Insights followed a successful pilot period for the pantry management software during the summer of 2022. The Food Security Task Force’s rollout of Oasis Insights will continue throughout the summer as more pantries are onboarded through this new initiative. Work is also underway to administer another key feature of the software, which has the ability to refer clients to agencies for additional services.
The program was able to help connect a veteran who utilizes the Parkside Community Church pantry with a dental service, Parkside Community Pantry Director Lisa Bontemps said.
“The process in Oasis for referring our pantry clients to county agencies has been incredibly seamless and simple to do,” Bontemps said. "(He) was contacted because of the referral we made in Oasis and told me how thankful he was that someone called him to help him access much-needed dental services that he didn't know he was entitled to receive.
Participating Bergen County services
Divisions within the Bergen County Department of Human Services including Senior Services, Veterans Services, Disability Services, Family Guidance and the Office for Children have the ability to receive referrals – and have already begun receiving intake information from the pantry partners. The Food Security Task Force is in the process of connecting additional agencies.
The pathways are designed to ensure ease of use for pantry staff and service providers; following a client signing a release of information form, their name, contact info and a general description of the services they are looking for are sent to the receiving agency – who then reaches out to conduct an initial intake.
More: Ramapo High reinstates suspended baseball coaches. What we know
Pandemic kicked off task force
The Bergen County Food Security Task Force was formed in July 2020 as a response to the skyrocketing need for food and services after the onset of the pandemic.
"Food insecurity is a symptom, not a cause. Since the Task Force was created, its mission has been to support local food pantries and their efforts, most recently enhancing their ability to serve as ambassadors to the many social services our county offers," Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur said.
The connections created between vital services will help county "residents to access services of which they may not have been aware," Zur said.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bergen County system links food pantries, services for those in need
