When it comes to volunteer work, don’t just wait for the holidays. Any time is a good time to pitch in and help. The Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean County serves over 260
Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean County
pantries, soup kitchens, and other feeding programs – with nearly 7 million pounds of food distributed per year. With that much food and that many people to serve, volunteers are always needed. If you are interested in volunteering, the Food Bank’s only requirements are that you are at least 13 years old and can commit to at least 10 hours of service total.
Volunteer positions include food sorters and packers, clerical or desk workers, help running food drives (which even kids under 13 can do!). If you can’t donate your time to the Food Bank, your money goes just as long a way – for every dollar donated, $0.91 goes directly to fighting hunger in Monmouth and Ocean counties. $25 will provide 75 meals for families.
Lunch Break, located in Red Bank, is another popular area kitchen. Mondays through Fridays from 11:30-1:00, Lunch Break provides fresh, free hot lunches to community members in need. An average day will see about 100 men, women, and children in their doors. Notably, Lunch Break employs only three regular employees – so volunteers are always needed and welcome. In 2009, for instance, nearly 500 people volunteered their time!
To find more soup kitchens, pantries, or food banks in your local community, visit End Hunger NJ’s website and search for providers. Then, call – or visit their website – and ask what you can do to help! For more information about hunger in New Jersey, explore the End Hunger NJ website or visit the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean County’s fact sheet.