Good Samaritan in New Jersey Gives Away Free Food, Why Do Some People Feel the Need to Help Others?

COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world in many ways. A lot of people has lost their jobs, and a lot more has relied on the government for help. This inspired a man from New Jersey who decided to start a free food pantry for anyone who needs it.

He first started giving out food from a cabinet in from of his house until more donations poured in and he decided to convert his garage into a full-fledged free food pantry. Since more donations are still coming, the man is considering to move his project at a larger location.

But what could have prompted the 'good samaritan' behavior of this man and those donors?

New Jersey Man Opens Free Food Pantry in his Garage

Barney Corrigan from New Jersey found himself short on work as a caterer when the pandemic happened. Without his busy schedule as a caterer to fill his days, he decided to start a project of turning his home into a place where anyone could get a bite.

Upon hearing the news what Corrigan has been doing, other people have also decided to donate their own food for those who might need it. Soon after, Corrigan found himself with way too many donations and decided to use his garage.

He was also receiving money via Venmo and Cash App from those interested to donate, which he uses to buy supplies for the pantry. His free food pantry includes items such as canned goods and baby diapers.

Passersby can now see a sign "Barney's Place Food Pantry" where they can get food for free. The food pantry is open every other Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM.

But what would Corrigan get from helping these people in need?

According to him, he loved meeting other people and talk with them. He said that chatting with other people and their kids always complete his week.

Since many donations are still coming in, Corrigan might look for a bigger place for his project. He said that he is now looking to find somewhere bigger to hold all the donations of food supplies.

It is incredible to see people like Corrigan put on so much work in helping others. It is also nice that other people are willing to lend a hand to Corrigan.

Read Also: New Study Says That Helping Those In Need Will Help Reduce Stress

The Science of Helping Others

Various studies suggest that helping others in a time like this is also helping yourself. Other studies also suggest that helping others is influenced when they observe someone giving a hand to those in distress.

For instance, an experiment in rats suggests that they are more likely to help their companions in distress when one of them starts helping their companion compared when they are alone or without a role model.

Furthermore, organizational psychologist Adam Grant said that evidence suggests the best anti-anxiety available is generosity. Humans benefit in many ways when they help each other.

For example, studies suggest that donating money releases feel-good brain chemicals that activate the brain to feel pleasure. These people who do good to others are found to have lower anxiety and stress levels on the time they donated.

On the other hand, those who advise others have shown to receive more benefits. In a series of studies of around 2,000 people, researchers found that middle school students who mentored younger students have spent more time doing their homework. Additionally, overweight individuals who counseled others about weight loss became more motivated to lose weight.

In conclusion, humans are social beings, and helping each other benefits both parties. In this time of COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to lend a hand while still following the health protocols to avoid spreading the virus.

Read More: 'Bystander Effect' Also Applies to Other Animals: A Phenomenon Not Exclusive To Humans

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