On behalf of the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties’ board of trustees, staff and 260 emergency feeding programs, we would like to thank everyonewho helped the FoodBank meet the requests for food this past holiday season.
Because of the overwhelming generosity in our communities, 10,444 turkeys were distributed — an increase of 4.5 percent over 2009. Between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 202,927 pounds of food was collected via food drives. From one individual collecting food to corporate offices, to local organizations, to our area schools — so many made a commitment to help those who suffer from the effects of hunger.
Volunteers gave hours of their time to help greet donors, unload food donations, assist with bulk mailings, and sort and pack all of the thousands of pounds of food collected. Without this amazing influx of food and altruistic measures, the FoodBank could not have met the need this past holiday season.
Due to a sluggish economy, our requests for food continued to increase and were at an all-time high. Many previous donors are now current recipients, and unemployment continues to remain high. The Food- Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties will continue to meet this need as well as address the root causes of hunger. We will be able to do this because of the significant help we continue to receive on a daily basis from the community at large.
Thank you, one and all. SusanM. Kelly Executive Director The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties
Neptune