Local Photographer Starts Drive for Project Self-Sufficiency Food Pantry

Sussex County photographer Ashley Schneider has joined professional photographers across the country in the Front Porch Project, an initiative which offers free portrait sessions from a safe distance while assisting those in need in their communities during the Coronovirus outbreak. Schneider’s effort will benefit the food pantry at Project Self-Sufficiency. Schneider’s studio, Renee Ash Photography, specializes in lifestyle, family, newborn and wedding photography. Project Self-Sufficiency serves low-income individuals and families in the New Jersey Counties of Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon.

“We are honored to have been selected to benefit from the Front Porch Project initiated by photographer Ashley Schneider,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director at Project Self-Sufficiency. “Under normal circumstances, Project Self-Sufficiency’s food pantry serves hundreds of families every month. The advent of the Coronavirus in our area has placed an enormous burden on local families, and the need for monetary donations and non-perishable food items is greater than ever.”

Schneider promoted the Front Porch Project on her own social media and garnered 35 photo sessions in days. She is currently taking applications for additional photography sessions; a donation of a non-perishable food item or a monetary donation is suggested to Project Self-Sufficiency, or a charity of their own choosing. Participating families are given a select time to appear at their front door. Schneider will stop by and take their photos from a safe distance. Photos will be provided free of charge to participating families by email.

“This is a nationwide effort with photographers who are figuring out a way to stay busy and give back to their communities. It’s a fun way to raise money during a scary and trying time,” explains Schneider. “The Project Self-Sufficiency food pantry will likely be the first place that people will turn when they need help. I wanted to keep this effort local and Project Self-Sufficiency has a huge impact on Sussex County.”

A waiting list for photography sessions is in development; to participate in the Front Porch Project initiated by Schneider, visit her pages on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/306522952764064/posts/2877766355639698/) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/reneeashphoto/).

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