An Update From Fulfill’s President and CEO
May 16, 2025
I’ve been receiving many questions about the changes happening in Washington, D.C. and how they are affecting Fulfill and our neighbors facing hunger. I’m writing today to you, as a dedicated supporter, to fill you in on the current situation, and to ask for your help. Regardless of how policies change and resources shift, you can be certain we remain focused and resolute in our mission to fight hunger in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
It’s a need that’s hard to fathom, but it’s unfortunately a hard reality. Sudden cuts to federal aid mean we aren’t receiving 150,000 pounds of food our community expected and desperately needs over the next two months. Here at Fulfill, that breaks down to about $250,000 worth of food that we planned for, but won’t be delivered.
This sudden deficit leaves us with one option: We must purchase the essential, nutritious items that The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) would have provided. Because the cost of not providing this assistance is far greater.
Staggering numbers of neighbors coming to pantries keep rising. Soaring home prices and rental costs, plus an increase in the cost of food and healthcare are squeezing wallets and forcing unthinkable choices. People need basic, nutrient-rich foods including fruits, vegetables, dairy and other staples just to get through their days.
How great is the need? A sliver of the unsettling statistics* from Monmouth and Ocean counties shows:
- One in 10 people (and one in nine children) is food-insecure, meaning they are unsure where their next meal will come from. That’s roughly 10.2% of residents.
- Visits to food pantries increased by about 92% from 2022 to 2024.
- About 45% of those who are food insecure earn just enough to disqualify them from government food assistance programs, but not enough to afford the food they and their families need.
- We serve 103,000+ neighbors each month across Monmouth and Ocean counties
Who faces hunger? Hunger is often invisible. It can be the local children who play with our kids, the seniors who once cared for us. It might be your neighbors who you see at the local grocery store or who worship alongside you.
Individuals and families find themselves having to navigate the painful reality of going without nutritious food. Pantries we supply with fresh produce, chicken, milk and other staples rely on us to provide these essentials.
Since learning of these order cancellations, Fulfill has reached out to funders, and we are shifting some of their funds toward food purchases. Funds we had put in reserve for our next fiscal year, we have reallocated back to this year. As of this writing, we have been able to make up almost half of the $250,000 gap, but we still need to raise nearly $130,000 more.
The need is immense. But what is greater is our community’s capacity to make a difference. We need your help.
Your donation can help make up this deficit and help us purchase food to replace what was lost. This is more than a donation. This is how we show up for one another in an unprecedented situation. Together, we can replace what was lost and keep nutritious food on the tables of those who need it most. Act now so no one goes hungry. Share this critical message. Learn more about this need in the Asbury Park Press. Donate.
April 16, 2025
Here’s what’s happening:
- Food needs are at an all-time high: We are helping approximately 110,000 of our Monmouth and Ocean County neighbors every month through our 300 partner food pantries, soup kitchens, and food distribution sites. With the cost of living still beyond many families’ means, this is more than double the number we were serving before the pandemic.
- Canceled USDA food deliveries leave a $250,000 gap: A considerable portion of our food supply comes from the federal government via the US Department of Agriculture, as well as some support for storage and distribution costs. Several USDA food deliveries have been canceled, which means we will miss out on 150,000 pounds of food between now and June. This includes important items like frozen chicken, turkey, cheese, and low-fat milk. We need $250,000 to replace the lost food deliveries.
- Farm-to-food bank program also cut: A USDA program that supplies locally farmed food to food banks, the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program (LFPA), has ended. Funding for the program will last only until the end of this year’s growing season.
- Uncertainty in a shifting federal landscape: A long-term strategy on food security is still emerging from the federal government. In the meantime, we are operating in uncertainty as changes in federal funding are affecting our ability to procure and distribute food.
We know you may have questions, and we will keep you updated as we learn more. You can read about the need in the Asbury Park Press. In the meantime, our Monmouth and Ocean County neighbors cannot wait for food. Your support during the pandemic made all the difference, and we hope you will help again. Please consider making a donation to close the food gap today. For every $1 donated, we provide 3 healthy meals to children, families, veterans, and seniors.
How You Can Help:
- Donate: Your monetary gift will directly support feeding our neighbors.
- $1,000 provides 3,000+ meals
- $100 provides 300+ meals
- $50 provides 150+ meals
- Advocate: Contact your local legislators to make a difference.
- Host a food drive: Collect food from your workplace or community to support those in need.
We are committed to connecting people to food and resources to help them get back on their feet. We are working with our staff, partner agencies, and other food banks across the country to find solutions. We are focusing on getting our neighbors the food they need most: protein, produce, and dairy. Our community needs to come together now more than ever. Your support is crucial during this uncertain time.
Thank you for standing with us to ensure our food-insecure neighbors have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.
With gratitude,
Triada Stampas
President & CEO