Light a Diya. Fill a Pantry.

Diwali celebrates light winning over darkness, and one of the best ways to share that light is to make sure our neighbors have enough to eat. This season, United Desi of New Jersey (UDNJ) is partnering with Sewa Diwali to help stock local food pantries for families in need.

Sewa Diwali is a national initiative built on the principle of Sewa Paramo Dharmah: service to humanity is service to divinity. Every year, community organizations across the country turn the Festival of Lights into a season of giving. UDNJ is proud to bring that spirit home to New Jersey.

How your donation helps

Every dollar you give goes toward food and essentials. Pantries need the most help as the holidays approach, and cash donations let us buy exactly what's running low: rice, lentils, canned vegetables, cooking oil, infant formula, diapers, hygiene products, and more.

Prefer to donate items?

From October 9 through November 22, 2026, you can drop off unopened, unexpired, nonperishable items at any of these locations:

Ryders Lane Wines & Spirits / Garden State Bar: 246A Ryders Ln, Milltown, NJ 08850
Advanced Care Physical Therapy: 228 Ryders Ln, Milltown, NJ 08850
Dance 4 Ever: 100 Summerhill Rd, Spotswood, NJ 08884

Spread the light

Can't give right now? Sharing this page with friends, family, and your community helps just as much.

Questions? Call or text 732.507.5251.

Thank you for giving what you can. From all of us at UDNJ, Happy Diwali! 🪔

Service to Humanity: UDNJ's Sewa Diwali Food Drive

Can't drop off groceries? Every dollar helps UDNJ buy food and essentials for New Jersey food pantries, Oct 9 – Nov 22