Neptune (July 19, 2018) – Fulfill, formerly The FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties today announced a $30,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation to help fight hunger in Monmouth and Ocean Counties through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) education and outreach. SNAP is the largest federal program dedicated to providing aid to millions of low-income individuals and families in hunger insecure communities. Yet, 17 percent of Americans eligible for SNAP currently do not receive this benefit. Only 42 percent of eligible seniors are enrolled.
With this grant, Fulfill hopes to scale access to SNAP among eligible households, with particular emphasis on reaching seniors, families with children, and other vulnerable populations.
“1 in 5 children in Monmouth & Ocean Counties have limited or no access to nutritious food; food that is essential in their educational and social development. At Fulfill, we work tirelessly to help fill this need, but programs like SNAP can boost the supply of nutritious food in a child’s household, something our community really needs,” said Barbara Scholz, Director of Advocacy and Programs.
SNAP provides more than nutrition assistance; it helps improve families’ overall well-being. With lower grocery bills, people are better able to pay for other basic necessities—rent or mortgages, medical expenses, utilities and transportation. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service Report, SNAP is critical to moving families into long-term food security.
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation provide donations of both food and funds to the Feeding America nationwide network of 200 food banks.
For more information about what Fulfill is doing to fight hunger, visit www.fulfillnj.org.