OLD BRIDGE – The hard work of caring volunteers and the generosity of local residents enabled the Old Bridge Food Bank to assist 721 families last year.
“No one in town should ever go hungry,” said Mayor James Phillips. “We are most thankful to, and proud of, our volunteer staff. Without them, we would not have the successful operation that we have today.”
Phillips also recognized the school system, individual families, and participating social and religious groups for their donations each year.
The food bank volunteers schedule food drives throughout the year with the help of the school system as well as various religious and social organizations to be sure to have enough supplies to meet the demands. Individual families also make hearty donations.
“Souper Bowl Sunday,” a food collection at all Masses at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Route 18, is the next Old Bridge Food Bank event. It is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, the day of the NFL Super Bowl. Parishioners are asked to remember families in need by donating nonperishable food items before or after Mass this weekend.
Suggested items include hot or cold cereal, complete pancake mix, syrup, canned fruit, canned meat products, SpaghettiO’s, instant potatoes, peanut butter, jelly, soups, coffee, tea and hot chocolate.
Families who do not attend St. Thomas are encouraged to make donations directly to the food bank during its regular hours of operation.
The food bank, located in the Municipal Complex at Route 516 and Cottrell Road, is open from 10 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. For information about volunteering or questions about donations, call (732) 721-5600, ext. 2022.