By Madison Russ
Angela Krukauskas never initially set out to feed a community — she simply put a small cabinet on her front lawn, hoping to help others.
That small act grew into No1hungryinEHC, a nonprofit in Egg Harbor City with a food pantry, thrift store and community services.
“We started in 2017 with just a small, similar to a book library, little cabinet on our front lawn where you gave a blessing or took a blessing if you needed one,” said Krukauskas of the nonprofit’s start.
Over time, the little cabinet blossomed into a full-fledged operation with community backing. The pantry alone now supports nearly 2,000 registered families.
“It has been seven years of grassroots gnawing and clawing our way into where we are today. Which is an amazing place, actually, if I sit down and think about everything that we’ve accomplished and where we’re going. It’s hard to believe this was born in a hospital room while my husband was laid unconscious for days and days on end,” said Krukauskas, explaining that several years ago, her husband experienced cardiac arrest and other complications during a scheduled surgery.
But it was the support of her community that buoyed her during that time.
“He died, and he had to be resuscitated. He was very ill,” she said. “My friends, my neighbors, my community stepped in. It was the long haul, so they kind of mowed my lawn or fed my kids or just checked in on us or brought us meals to the hospital or just took the burden off my family.”
While she said her neighbors didn’t necessarily need assistance, she felt called to give back.
Today, she said the nonprofit is “run by the community for the community.” Even their current space was donated in 2023 and repaired by volunteers.
“People provided us all of our labor and support to transform a really defunct, sedentary building that had been empty for years into a new wonderful community resource,” said Krukauskas.
In addition to donations from community members, the nonprofit’s thrift store, Angela’s on the Avenue, also helps stock the pantry’s shelves. Or, as Krukauskas puts it, they “take treasured items and turn them into food.”
She also aims to make sure anyone who walks through the nonprofit’s doors feels safe and valued, which was part of the inspiration behind the thrift store’s name.
“I want people to say, ‘I’m going to Angela’s.’ There’s no stigma — I’m going to my friend’s house,” she said. “You could need groceries. You could need a pair of sneakers, but you’re going to your friend’s to get it.”
Krukauskas has also seen a shift in community needs, and they now often open up to lines of people seeking assistance. On days the pantry is open, they feed about 45 to 50 families a day.
“We have people who come in just for peace of mind, who come in and sit in our living space, which is made to be a comfortable home environment so everyone can feel welcomed and cherished and like there’s no burden on them,” she said, noting that their Keurig is always running and that there is always plenty of water in the refrigerator.
“If you need something, you can come sit with us, and we’ll figure it out together,” she said.
To keep up with demand, and without federal funding, the organization has gotten creative with fundraising, such as their upcoming annual Vendor Fair.
Even with an all-volunteer staff, Krukauskas said there are still plenty of expenses, and the events they host are important for raising funds and awareness.
“They are our life’s blood; it’s what keeps food on everybody’s tables,” she said.
The organization’s Second Annual Vendor Fair will be held on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds. The event will include vendors such as local artisans, food trucks, live entertainment, activities for children, community resources and more.
Mary Jessen, who helps fundraise for the nonprofit, said they aimed to get a diverse range of vendors for the event. All proceeds go toward helping the nonprofit feed others year-round.
“Everybody is hungry all the time. You just can’t wait for it to be Thanksgiving or Christmas when people are overly generous. You need them to step up right now to help out,” said Jessen, calling Krukauskas “one of those modern-day saints.”
“She does everything she can for people,” said Jessen. “It’s refreshing to know that somebody cares that much that they’re willing to give up the whole of their lives to feed others and anybody that needs a hand.”
The nonprofit is always looking for extra helping hands, funding, or those who can assist with grant writing.
“Funding in any source is great for us, be it food funding, monetary funding, or knowledge. That’s what we need — that’s all the support we need,” said Krukauskas. “We love time and talents. Whether you want to stock the shelves, mop the floor, help a customer, or sort our clothing, we’ll take your time and talents and your children’s, too. If you have an hour to spend, we want you to come and spend it with us.”
To donate or learn more about No1hungryinEHC’s pantry hours, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming events, visit no1hungryinehc.com or call 609-965-3890.
Madison Russ is an award-winning journalist, copy editor and adjunct professor of communication based in Atlantic County. An Ocean City native, Madison is passionate about telling stories that matter to locals, often spotlighting nonprofits and exploring the area’s vibrant arts scene.
