THE FOODBANK OF MONMOUTH AND OCEAN COUNTIES ASKS OUR COMMUNITY TO TAKE ACTION TO END HUNGER

Feeding America Network Food Banks across the Country Promote Hunger Action Month

This September, The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, a member of the Feeding America® nationwide network of food banks, observes Hunger Action Month™ – a nationwide initiative designed to mobilize the public to take action on the issue of hunger during the month of September. Hunger advocates from Monmouth and Ocean counties and across the country are working together to shine a light on the issue of hunger in America and in our community where we serve more than 132,000 people in Monmouth and Ocean counties, including 40,000 children.

“Most of the families and individuals in our two counties who are affected by chronic hunger have fallen on hard times due to job loss, illness, or were displaced from their storm damaged homes. We offer them a hand up with food and resources to help them get past difficult circumstances. Hunger Action Month  is a great time for everyone to visit The FoodBank  in person or online and learn more about how they can be part of the solution,” said Carlos Rodriguez, Executive Director.

How you can help:

• Visit our website (fulfillnj.org) to Donate, Volunteer, Get Help, Get Involved
• Be a Stop Hunger Advocate – Contact your Congressman or just share our social media posts with your network on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Google+
• On September 8^th – National Hunger Action Day – Go to our Facebook Page and share an empty plate selfie – What you can’t do on an empty stomach, and/or What you can do to help! https://www.facebook.com/fulfillnj
• Stop by for a tour and/or find out how you can run a third party fundraiser on our behalf
• Ask your school to participate in STUDENTS CHANGE HUNGER at studentschangehunger.org

HUNGRY for the FACTS?  Some of them may surprise you.

In Monmouth and Ocean Counties:

• The FoodBank provides food and services to a network of over 300 feeding programs and serves more than 132,000 people
• 1 in 10 people are food insecure
• 1 in 5 are children
• 97% of client households reside in permanent housing, such as a house or apartment
• 78% report having to choose between paying for groceries or paying for housing
• 69% of adult clients have a post high school education
• 85% of all households have incomes less than $30,000 annually
• 58% of households have the breadwinner working part-time
• 78% report purchasing inexpensive, unhealthy food, and 46% water down food and drinks to make them last
• 44% of households use food stamps; among those who don’t, an estimated 82% are income-eligible

About The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties:

The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties distributes more than 12 million meals annually through a network of over 300 feeding programs. Hunger in Monmouth and Ocean Counties is no longer a crisis that can be remedied with emergency food alone. The FoodBank works toward long-term solutions to the chronic problem of food insecurity, with initiatives to support a community where all people at all times have access to enough food to maintain an active and healthy life. Through programs and services like the Culinary Training Program, Nutrition Education, and outreach assistance for SNAP (food stamps), VITA free tax assistance, and affordable healthcare, the FoodBank is working to build food-secure communities. We feed the lines and work toward shortening them at the same time. The FoodBank has received the highest rating of 4 Stars from Charity Navigator for seven consecutive years. A total of 95 cents out of every dollar raised supports food and programs. Visit us at www.fulfillnj.org.

The FoodBank also operates out of The B.E.A.T. Center in Toms River, New Jersey.

Video of Hunger Action Family Day, courtesy of Quick4 Productions, LLC.