Hunger Free Breaking Barriers To End Food Insecurity In Hudson County

When Stephanie Glover Wilson founded Hunger Free in 2016, she did so at her kitchen table with a simple realization. She had been helping other organizations run food pantries and following their rules and regulations. One day she decided to do it her way and pursue her own dream.

That decision sparked a grassroots movement that has grown from a single pantry in Bayonne into a vital community resource serving 13 cities across Hudson County. From church lots to senior housing complexes, Wilson and her team bring food directly to the people, including seniors, families, veterans, and children who need it most.

A Mission Shaped by Experience

Wilson’s commitment is deeply personal. As a young mother surviving domestic violence and raising two children on welfare, she often relied on relatives, friends, and public assistance just to make ends meet. She promised God that if she was able to get out of that situation, she would do better for everyone else. She wanted to make sure that no other family would suffer the way hers had.

That promise guides Hunger Free’s work today. Beyond distributing fresh groceries, the organization helps residents apply for food stamps, Medicaid, and housing assistance. Wilson sees this as filling the gaps that rigid welfare policies often overlook. 

She explained that welfare programs often count gross income rather than what people actually bring home. By the time families pay taxes, insurance, or child support, they are forced to make difficult choices such as buying gas or buying food. Hunger Free gives parents more options.

Meeting People Where They Are

Unlike many food programs, Hunger Free goes mobile. Volunteers set up in parks, Masonic lodges, and especially senior sites where transportation can be a barrier. In urgent cases, volunteers deliver food directly to the homebound.

Wilson is also outspoken about racial and economic inequities that leave Black and brown communities in Hudson County living in food deserts. She dreams of one day opening a community grocery store using a point system. Families could shop for free while working families who do not qualify for assistance could purchase items at a low cost.

Honoring Volunteers With a Unique Gala

The annual T-Shirts and Jeans Gala reflects Wilson’s commitment to community and practicality. Inspired by the loss of dedicated volunteers during the pandemic, the event honors unsung heroes rather than politicians.

Wilson chose a casual dress code to focus on what matters most. She explained that asking people to spend hundreds of dollars on attire takes away from the funds that could directly support families in need. The gala allows the organization to raise funds while celebrating volunteers and community members in a comfortable and joyful way.

Challenges and Collaboration

Like many grassroots nonprofits, Hunger Free faces ongoing challenges in sustainability. Grants rarely cover direct food purchases, and Wilson stresses the need for women-led organizations to collaborate instead of duplicating services. Coordinating efforts ensures that more families in need are reached.

Partnerships keep Hunger Free moving. From Costco donating surplus goods to trucking companies volunteering drivers and trucks, Wilson credits her network and 35 core volunteers for keeping the mission alive. Some volunteers travel from as far as Jackson, New Jersey to help every Saturday morning.

More Than a Pantry

Though often seen as a food pantry, Hunger Free is a true community hub. The organization organizes prom dress giveaways, back-to-school drives, diaper and sanitary product donations, Thanksgiving and Easter food boxes, and sneaker distributions. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Wilson partners with her Rotary Club and local students to serve hot meals to the homeless.

Wilson explained that Hunger Free is not just about food. It is about dignity, joy, and showing people that they are seen. She described moments when children light up over a box of cereal or parents express gratitude for small weekend food boxes. Those moments make the work meaningful.

Looking Ahead

If resources were not a barrier, Wilson would bring back Hunger Free’s weekend meal program for children. The program previously helped prevent accidents caused by children trying to cook for themselves when parents were at work. She also envisions purchasing a building with apartments for struggling families. The goal is to provide housing, a pantry, and on-site social services to help residents transition to stability.

Through all the challenges, Wilson remains grounded. She has learned that not everyone has your best interests at heart, but she continues to persevere. For Wilson, Hunger Free is more than a business. It is therapy, community, and a promise fulfilled.
This story is part of NJ Urban News’ Black Business Spotlight, uplifting Black-owned excellence across New Jersey. Know a business we should feature? Email us at editorial@njurbannews.com