At the Teaneck Kosher Supermarket Wednesday, hot fresh family meals were being served up for free -- comfort food for those who have been made uncomfortable by the days-long power outage.
Going into a fifth day without power in the Bergen County township, residents who never imagined they'd be in line for free food found themselves lining up for chicken nuggets and French fries at the market on Teaneck Road.
"This is such an unbelievable thing," said visitor Dena Kinderlehrer. "There's kid-friendly food. We're so thankful."
The store owner opened his doors when the lights went out Saturday during the freak October snowstorm. He started offering free meals on Monday.
"Monday night, we served about 700 dinner," said store manager Yitz Stern. "Last night, we served 1,000. Tonight's a little bit less, I guess that's a good thing."
There were still plenty of people without heat or working kitchens who took refuge in the store Wednesday.
"I have a family of six, so between my three fridges and freezers, I would say $1,000 worth of groceries went down the toilet," said Kinderlehrer.
Scott Ferguson of Teaneck said many of the other restaurants he normally frequented were still closed because they remained without power.
The community was stunned by the spontaneous generosity, and vowed to return the favor by bringing their business to the store after the lights are back on.
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"They didn't have to do this," said Kinderlehrer. "This is just out of the goodness of their hearts, and we should definitely feel thankful to them by giving them business and coming here and showing our support."
