A s many prepare to give thanks and sit around the Thanksgiving table next week, many more are wondering where their holiday meal is going to come from on Nov. 27.
This year, more than 13,000 turkeys have been requested of the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, up 25 percent from the amount expected and planned for.
“There are more families who are coming in for the first time,” FoodBank Executive Director Carlos Rodriguez said. “The requests really mirror what we’ve been seeing in the last few years. Many more are on their way to the pantries due to this economy and barely making ends meet.”
Rodriguez noted that an additional 4,000 families have come to the FoodBank for help due to the impacts of superstorm Sandy and jobs lost due to the closing of casinos in Atlantic City.
“Over 40 percent of the individuals who are receiving these foods are children and the elderly,” said Ellen Koment, media relations specialist for the nonprofit. “Today, one in five families have a grandparent who is responsible for the grandchildren.”
According to Rodriguez, more than 10,000 pounds of food will be distributed to the approximately 300 partner agencies of the FoodBank this year. This food will help feed more than 131,000 people in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
While requests for food have increased, Rodriguez said many organizations and individuals have stepped up and helped immensely in meeting the need.
School food drives, individual donations and the generosity of businesses that donate and provide a drop-off point allow the FoodBank to continue to support the thousands that need help.
Staples needed include canned vegetables, gravy, cranberry sauce, peanut butter and jelly, instant potatoes, macaroni and cheese, tuna, pasta, rice and more.
A list of drop-off locations and food items needed can be found at www.foodbankmoc.org or by calling 732-918-2600.
Donations may also be dropped off at the FoodBank warehouse located at 3300 Route 66 in Neptune 8 a.m-4 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 22.