When can I sign up?

Sign ups for Recipients and Volunteers & Donors is open from now through Sunday, Dec 20.

Who can request meals?

There is no cutoff for who should ask for support and who shouldn’t. If you feel that you won’t be able to provide a holiday meal for your family this year for whatever reason, and would like the support of the community, please just ask! This could mean you’re having a difficult time financially, you can’t shop for or purchase a prepared meal due to other constraints on your time, you are grieving, you’ve just had a baby, etc. Your neighbors want to lend a helping hand.

How do I get a match?

First, sign up as a Recipient or Volunteer. When matched, you'll get an email connecting you with your neighbors.

Please be open and communicative with your matches and respectful of everyone’s time.

JC Holiday Meal Exchange cannot mediate any disputes, they can only support with matching.

What if there's not enough Volunteers to support all the Recipients who signed up?

Unfortunately, in this case, we would have to put folks on a waitlist and let them know after sign ups close on Sunday Dec 20 whether they have been matched. We hope to lean on our Donors and partner with local caterers to meet the needs of all of our Recipients.

Who manages the actual food donation and drop off timing?

The Volunteer Captain ultimately ensures that their participating family gets their meals. They are supported by other volunteers who are willing to cook, bake, or deliver.

What if I don't live in Jersey City?

All families looking to be Recipients must be able to pick up or receive their meals within Jersey City.

Volunteer Cooks and Bakers must be willing to transport their donations to their matched families within Jersey City.

Will you be doing this for other holidays?

If the initiative is successful, we will consider continuing or expanding it next year.

How do I ask more questions or provide feedback?

Contact us at JCHolidayMealExchange@gmail.com