Trees to be Planted at Fulfill’s Garden Partners, Including Schools in Monmouth County
NEPTUNE, N.J., March 29, 2022 – Today, Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., donated 110 fruit trees to Fulfill Food Bank in Neptune. JCP&L staff members volunteered to plant them at Fulfill’s Garden, as well as at schools and community centers in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, to provide a source of nutritious food for years to come.
“JCP&L has long been a generous sponsor of Fulfill. We are grateful for the company’s continued efforts and leadership in supporting our mission to fight hunger at the Jersey Shore. Not only is planting these trees at schools and other community hubs environmentally friendly, but it teaches our youth about growing nutritious food to lead healthy lives. We also estimate that the trees will provide fruit to families in need in Monmouth and Ocean Counties in about three years,” stated Triada Stampas, Fulfill CEO and President.
The fruit trees donated – each measuring in at about four feet high – are a variety of apple, pear, peach, nectarine, cherry, and pawpaw. Some were planted at Fulfill’s Garden in Neptune, and the rest were distributed by Fulfill to 13 of our Garden Partners, which includes schools in Monmouth County. They are Ocean Township Intermediate School in Ocean, Park Avenue Elementary School in Freehold, and St. John’s Nursery School in Hazlet. Trees were also planted at Faith Community in Bayville, Better Tomorrow in Little Egg Harbor, Rising Tree Tops at Oakhurst, OCHD Field of Dreams in Toms River, St. Luke’s Church in Toms River, the American Legion Post in Toms River, and The Barn in Whiting. Trees will also be planted at Island Heights Elementary School later in the spring.
“For years, JCP&L has been recognized as a leader in sustainable practices and environmental awareness. We are proud to support our communities by planting trees with Fulfill that will give us fresh air, shade, and beauty, plus provide fruit in years to come. This is a core value at JCP&L, demonstrated by the commitment of our staff members volunteering to plant the trees,” said James Fakult, JCP&L President.
Since 2011, the FirstEnergy Foundation has donated more than $96,000 to Fulfill to help us provide food for our neighbors in need. After Superstorm Sandy, the Company also provided tractor trailers of food to distribute. Similarly, following Tropical Storm Isaias, JCP&L filled trailers full of food (frozen, dairy, meats, and shelf stable goods), beverages, paper products, and cleaning products to distribute to families through Fulfill.
The tree donation was coordinated by JCP&L’s Green Team, a group of employees who drive environmental awareness and sustainability initiatives within the company. Formally launched in 2019, the Green Team’s work has been brought recognition from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, who have named JCP&L the first electric utility on the Sustainable Business Registry, as well as awards from the Commerce & Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ).
About Fulfill Food Bank
Fulfill has been providing food for families at the Jersey Shore for more than thirty years. Fulfill made sure our neighbors in need had nourishment during economic storms, Superstorm Sandy, and now the pandemic. We supply food to nearly 300 feeding agencies in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, including soup kitchens, food pantries, and shelters, providing food for families, children, seniors, veterans, and more.
Fulfill is still experiencing high volume, currently serving 972,000 meals per month. In fact, the demand for food at the Jersey Shore is still 22% higher than before the pandemic.
Ending hunger in our communities is a complex challenge, so Fulfill provides a full suite of programs to provide the resources people need to become self-sufficient. Fulfill’s Resource Connections Team members assist with applications for SNAP (food stamps), affordable health care, and Medicaid. They also assist with affordable housing applications, budgeting and money management, utility expenses, and senior services.
Fulfill has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for more than twelve consecutive years. This distinction means Fulfill, a 501 (c)3 charitable organization, outperformed most charities in America in areas of efficiency, fiscal integrity, and effectiveness. In fact, 95 cents of every dollar donated to Fulfill goes directly to feeding the hungry in our community. Follow Fulfill on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube, and share our posts to help raise awareness about hunger. To donate or volunteer, go to fulfillnj.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
About JCP&L
JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren.
FirstEnergy Corp. is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. It’s 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com.
Contact:
Karla Bardinas
Think Media Communications
732.996.9789