Princeton Mobile Food Pantry announces new leadership, board members

The Princeton Mobile Food Pantry, a nonprofit organization that delivers fresh groceries to local residents facing food insecurity, has announced a leadership transition and several changes to its board of directors as the group continues to expand its services in the community.

Debbie Bronfeld, a former member of the Princeton Public Schools Board of Education, has been named the organization’s new president, succeeding Amy Lansky, who led the pantry through a period of significant growth and organizational change.

Founded in 2010 by Liliana Morenilla, the Princeton Mobile Food Pantry began as a grassroots effort to address hunger among local families during the pandemic. What started as a small operation distributing food from a volunteer’s car has grown into a nonprofit serving more than 1,500 Princeton residents, including children, families, and seniors.

During Lansky’s tenure, the organization transitioned from an informal volunteer network into an established nonprofit and expanded its operations despite multiple relocations in recent years. The pantry now distributes more than 700 bags of fresh groceries to residents experiencing food insecurity.

Bronfeld said Lansky helped build a stable foundation for the organization while strengthening partnerships throughout Princeton.

“Amy’s leadership and vision helped transform a dedicated group of volunteers into a financially stable nonprofit that continues to meet growing community needs,” Bronfeld said in a statement. She added that demand for services has increased significantly over the past five years as more residents have sought assistance.

Lansky said she is stepping down confident in the organization’s future leadership and volunteer base.

“It has been an honor to work with members of our Princeton community as the pantry evolved into an official nonprofit serving more than 1,500 neighbors,” Lansky said. “I know the work will continue under Debbie and our dedicated board.”

The leadership transition comes as the pantry maintains partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and volunteers who help deliver groceries directly to households. The organization provides fresh produce, protein such as meat and eggs, and other household staples through a delivery-based model designed to reduce barriers to access.

Several board members are also stepping down, including Jackie Swaine, the pantry’s first fundraising director, as well as Sharon Litvinsky and Annie Haan. New board members joining leadership roles include Maria Palmer and Terri Pessutti as fundraising directors, Jen Bolcoa as secretary, and Lisa Robinson, who will oversee drives and packing logistics.

Returning board members include Mandy Arshan as volunteer coordinator, Wendy Wilton as treasurer, and Shilpa Pai as director.

Organizers say the pantry will continue focusing on expanding community partnerships and supporting residents facing rising food costs and economic pressures.

More information about volunteering or donating is available at pmfpantry.org.