Mercy Center has been leading the way in helping fight food insecurity in Monmouth County and on Thursday celebrated the grand reopening of its food pantry.

The reopening came with more space, ramp access and upgraded equipment to better serve residents of all abilities.

"A person who is hungry can come through this pantry open go through the front door come out the back door pick whatever food they want stigma-free, no questions asked. We literally just want them to get what they need to survive,” said Kim Guadagno, executive director of Mercy Center NJ.

"This will even have more, and that would give people up better opportunity to go through to see what they can get and what they cannot get," added Michael B. Mack, a client of Mercy Center.

Mercy Center's food pantry is free, and no referrals or ID is required.