FREEHOLD — The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders is continuing its springtime partnership with the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties to collect non-perishable food for the entire month of April.
”One in every 10 people in Monmouth County receives emergency food from the FoodBank’s network of pantries, soup kitchens and other agencies,” Freeholder John P. Curley said. “The spring is when donations to the Food Bank fall off and Monmouth County is willing to help increase awareness to this problem and take the lead in getting food donations.”
Collection bins will be available at many county locations, including the Monmouth County Hall of Records, agriculture building, care centers, Longstreet Farm, Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Belford Ferry Terminal and county branch libraries.
Food items suitable for donation are non-perishable, protein-rich foods such as peanut butter, granola bars and tuna fish. Other most needed food items are ready-to-eat canned meals, canned fruits, canned vegetables, instant potatoes, canned and dry soup, canned pork and beans, canned juices, sip-size juices and hot and cold cereal.
This is the county’s third consecutive April food drive, according to a county press release. To date, county residents have helped send 20 tons, more than 45,000 pounds, of non-perishable food to the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. This year’s goal is to collect 25,000 pounds of non-perishable food.
The county’s Made In Monmouth event set for April 12 at Monmouth University will be another opportunity for residents to donate. The one-day showcase and shopping festival of products, all made in Monmouth County, will have food donation collection bins at the entrance.
”The Made In Monmouth vendors are being asked to contribute to Monmouth County’s April food drive, too,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone. “So, when you head over to Made in Monmouth, please consider bringing a nonperishable food donation; admission is free to the event.”

