Hunger Action Month: Together We Can End Hunger
Turn Awareness Into Action This Hunger Action Month
To some, September means the start of a new school year. To others, it means pumpkin spice and falling leaves. To us, September means something even greater: Hunger Action Month, a nationwide movement organized by Feeding America that raises awareness and inspires action to end hunger nationwide.
We want to share with you the many ways that you can help us to end hunger here in Monmouth County and Ocean County, New Jersey. The reality of hunger in our nation is staggering. According to Feeding America, 47 million people are food insecure in our nation. With high inflation rates and increased costs of living combined with recent cuts to food safety nets, too many families are forced to make impossible choices between putting food on the table, paying rent or covering medical bills – with food often being the first to be cut.
The reality of hunger is closer than many realize. Here in New Jersey, more than 1 million people are facing hunger and over 100,000 of them live right here in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, with the need continuing to grow. This is where our work matters most, bringing nourishment and support to our neighbors facing hunger.
At Fulfill, our mission goes beyond ending hunger today; we’re working to create food security for tomorrow. Our goal is to supply nutritious foods to neighbors facing hunger, while tackling the systemic barriers that keep families from building food security and stability. Through our comprehensive programs, meal distributions and our network of nearly 300 pantry partners, we’re serving 1.3 million meals a month to families, children, seniors and veterans. These efforts not only meet urgent needs, but also empower our neighbors with the knowledge, tools and resources they need to create lasting food security and thrive in their communities.
But there is still work to be done! The theme for Hunger Action Month is “Collective Action.” No one person or organization can take on hunger – that’s where you come in! Take action this Hunger Action Month and support our efforts to make Monmouth and Ocean Counties more food secure:
Volunteer
Our volunteers are the heart of our mission. In 2024, our volunteers dedicated 35,000 hours to Fulfill. Their hands-on work sorting food, meal prepping, assisting at weekly Pop-the-Trunk distributions and rolling up their sleeves in our garden all support our mission. We welcome volunteers of all kinds – individuals, families, schools, organizations and businesses. There’s a place for everyone to contribute and make a real difference. For more information on volunteer opportunities, visit https://fulfillnj.org/ways-to-help/volunteer/.
Donate
Every dollar and every donated can of food makes a huge impact. Donations fuel our programs, stock our shelves, help us purchase fresh produce, protein and other pantry staples and allow us to continue to meet the growing needs of our community.
Donate Food: We accept donations of non-perishable food Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at our Headquarters, located at 3300 Route 66 in Neptune, and Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the B.E.A.T. Center, located at 1769 Hooper Ave at the rear of the building in Toms River. Here is a list of our most needed items: https://fulfillnj.org/donate-food-most-needed-items/
Donate Funds: https://fulfillnj.org/ways-to-help/#donate-funds
Advocate
Our collective voice can drive real change! Government-funded programs are a vital source of support for food banks and the families we serve. One of the most effective tools in the fight against hunger is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Recent changes in funding and policies have made this lifeline less accessible for many – but you can change that! By advocating for stronger anti-hunger policies, supporting funding for food programs, like SNAP, and highlighting the solutions food banks provide, you have the power to make hunger impossible to ignore and hope possible for our neighbors. Picking up the phone and contacting our state legislators is a powerful way to make your voice heard – together, we can push for policies that end hunger in our community.
Share
Spread the word about our work and inspire others to help! Sharing our mission with friends, family and your community helps build our network of support. Every post shared on social media, every conversation and every event you attend spreads awareness and inspires action. Sharing our voice and our neighbors’ stories can go a long way in making change for the single mother working two jobs, the college student who is just getting by or the senior struggling to make ends meet. By amplifying these stories, you help bring attention to the real challenges our community faces and the solutions we’re working toward together.
Don’t let us fight hunger alone. Work with us this Hunger Action Month and turn awareness into action, and action into lasting change. Join us on the journey to a more food-secure future – we can end hunger when we all work together!