Students throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties collected more than 63,000 pounds of food products for local residents in need, especially those impacted by superstorm Sandy, the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean counties announced.
The results of the Holiday Hunger Challenge were announced by Lt. Gov. Kimberly Guadagno during the FoodBank’s Holiday Hunger Challenge award ceremony held Jan. 30 in Neptune.
Seventy-three area schools participated in the drive, collecting almost 68,000 pounds of food and over $20,000 for the FoodBank.
In addition to collecting food from fellow students, some schools collected food at football games and PTO meetings, and reached out to the community and local businesses for food and financial donations.
Local schools that received Spirit of Giving awards include: Brookdale Community College, Monmouth University, Growing Tree Academy of Holmdel, Memorial Middle School in Eatontown and Tinton Falls Middle School.
The Alpha School, Jackson, received the Pounds per Student Champion award and Howell High School received the Heavyweight Champion award. In the wake of superstorm Sandy, the FoodBank responded by providing food to emergency feeding programs for displaced residents, preparing hot meals daily for churches and civic organizations serving stormstricken communities, and delivering disaster kits to some of the region’s hardest-hit areas, according to a press release.
“The success of the Holiday Hunger Challenge is a testament to the strength and resilience of the residents of the Jersey Shore,” Carlos M. Rodriguez, executive director of The FoodBank said in the press release. “When I see what these young people have done for their neighbors in need, it gives me hope that the future of our communities is indeed bright and able to withstand current and future challenges.”
The FoodBank distributes approximately seven million pounds of food annually through soup kitchens, food pantries, and shelters that distribute food to the hungry.
One out of every 10 people living in Monmouth and Ocean Counties receives food from The FoodBank.
To volunteer or contribute food or financial donations, contact The FoodBank at 732-918-2600 or visit www.foodbankmoc.org.