DONATE NOW

THE FOODBANK OF MONMOUTH AND OCEAN COUNTIES to HOST A SPECIAL HUNGER ACTION FAMILY DAY to kick off National Hunger Action Month on September 1, 2016

Help needed to assemble 400 healthy Kids “snack packs” for start of School

 The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties will host a special HUNGER ACTION FAMILY DAY of service and fun on Thursday, September 1st during an OPEN HOUSE from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon.   Activities will include: kids’ crafts, carnival games, family tours, garden activities, concert ticket and event giveaways with local DJs, food trucks, photo booth, ice cream, and an S.O.S. (Stuff Our Silo) Food and Fund Drive.  During the open house, kids and volunteers can help assemble 400 healthy “snack packs” that will be going to students in after school programs throughout the month of September.  For adult groups and individuals, there are also sort room volunteer shifts (must be 13 years or older) available from 1 PM – 4 PM, and 6 PM – 8 PM.  Visiting families are encouraged to bring a bag of nonperishable food and to wear closed toe shoes if participating.  The FoodBank is located at 3300 Route 66 in Neptune.

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.

“We’re excited to offer a Hunger Action Family Day because it is a great way for children to learn how they can participate and help neighbors who struggle with food insecurity.  Kids can learn to conduct their own fundraisers to build awareness of hunger in our community, or get their schools involved in the Students Change Hunger competition.  We serve 132,000 people in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, and 40,000 of them are children.  Most of the families and individuals 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 Day is a great way for everyone to visit The FoodBank and learn more about how they can be part of the solution,” said Carlos Rodriguez, Executive Director.

How you can help:

  • Attend Hunger Action Day Open House on September 1, 2016 at the FoodBank
  • Participate in the S.O.S. (Stuff Our Silo) Food Drive (bring a bag of nonperishable food)
  • 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+.

 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 11 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 96 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.

X