For more than 45 years, Fisherman’s Mark has provided “help when help is needed” to individuals and families facing challenging times. In recent years, the organization’s food support programs have become an increasingly vital resource within the community, with usage increasing by more than 50% since 2020. Nearly 70% of Fisherman’s Mark program participants reside in Lambertville, underscoring the organization’s deep local impact and connection to the community it serves.
Now, Fisherman’s Mark is preparing to take an important step toward securing the long-term future of those programs through the anticipated purchase of the former Closson Farm Market property at 262 North Main Street in Lambertville, with closing expected in early to mid-June.
The property has served as the home of the Free MARKet food pantry since Hurricane Ida forced Fisherman’s Mark to relocate from the Hibernia Firehouse in 2021. What began as a temporary solution quickly proved to be an ideal location for the organization’s expanding food support operations. Within easy walking distance for many participants, the site provides accessible space for the Free MARKet, storage, meal preparation, deliveries, volunteers, and related programs including Mobile MARKet, and FLY (Feeding Local Youth).
“At the heart of this decision is our commitment to ensuring that local families continue to have reliable access to nutritious food and essential support services for years to come,” said Jennifer Williford, Executive Director of Fisherman’s Mark. “This property has allowed our food support programs to operate more effectively and with greater dignity for the people we serve. Securing a permanent home for these programs is an investment in the well-being and stability of our community.”
In addition to creating long-term stability for food support services, Fisherman’s Mark also anticipates incorporating dedicated community gathering space as part of the property’s future planning and buildout. The organization hopes the space will further strengthen opportunities for connection, education, outreach, and community engagement.
In the coming months, Fisherman’s Mark will launch the public phase of our capital campaign to support the funds needed to expand and retrofit the space to meet the long-term needs of our programs and community. We are excited to engage our supporters and stakeholders in helping shape the future of this important community resource.
Lambertville Mayor Andrew Nowick expressed support for the project, noting the important role Fisherman’s Mark plays in serving vulnerable residents throughout the area. “Fisherman’s Mark provides valuable services to residents of the City and surrounding communities,” said Nowick. “The City recognizes the importance of allowing these services to continue at a site that is well-suited to accommodate the needs of both Fisherman’s Mark and its clients.”
As plans continue to move forward, Fisherman’s Mark will host a series of community open houses and information sessions to provide opportunities for residents and stakeholders to learn more, ask questions, and engage in conversation about the future of the property and programs. Dates and additional details will be announced soon.
“Over the past several years, we’ve seen firsthand how essential these programs are for so many of our neighbors,” said Williford. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of this community and look forward to continuing this work for generations to come.”
Now, Fisherman’s Mark is preparing to take an important step toward securing the long-term future of those programs through the anticipated purchase of the former Closson Farm Market property at 262 North Main Street in Lambertville, with closing expected in early to mid-June.
The property has served as the home of the Free MARKet food pantry since Hurricane Ida forced Fisherman’s Mark to relocate from the Hibernia Firehouse in 2021. What began as a temporary solution quickly proved to be an ideal location for the organization’s expanding food support operations. Within easy walking distance for many participants, the site provides accessible space for the Free MARKet, storage, meal preparation, deliveries, volunteers, and related programs including Mobile MARKet, and FLY (Feeding Local Youth).
“At the heart of this decision is our commitment to ensuring that local families continue to have reliable access to nutritious food and essential support services for years to come,” said Jennifer Williford, Executive Director of Fisherman’s Mark. “This property has allowed our food support programs to operate more effectively and with greater dignity for the people we serve. Securing a permanent home for these programs is an investment in the well-being and stability of our community.”
In addition to creating long-term stability for food support services, Fisherman’s Mark also anticipates incorporating dedicated community gathering space as part of the property’s future planning and buildout. The organization hopes the space will further strengthen opportunities for connection, education, outreach, and community engagement.
In the coming months, Fisherman’s Mark will launch the public phase of our capital campaign to support the funds needed to expand and retrofit the space to meet the long-term needs of our programs and community. We are excited to engage our supporters and stakeholders in helping shape the future of this important community resource.
Lambertville Mayor Andrew Nowick expressed support for the project, noting the important role Fisherman’s Mark plays in serving vulnerable residents throughout the area. “Fisherman’s Mark provides valuable services to residents of the City and surrounding communities,” said Nowick. “The City recognizes the importance of allowing these services to continue at a site that is well-suited to accommodate the needs of both Fisherman’s Mark and its clients.”
As plans continue to move forward, Fisherman’s Mark will host a series of community open houses and information sessions to provide opportunities for residents and stakeholders to learn more, ask questions, and engage in conversation about the future of the property and programs. Dates and additional details will be announced soon.
“Over the past several years, we’ve seen firsthand how essential these programs are for so many of our neighbors,” said Williford. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of this community and look forward to continuing this work for generations to come.”
