Lunch Break Development Director Kate McMahon (left) and Executive Assistant Millie Jeter (right) browse groceries at Lunch Break’s new client choice pantry and clothes at Lunch Break’s clothing donation center, Clara’s Closet. JEREMY GROSSMAN/STAFF RED BANK — As the fourth annual Foodstock community food drive approaches, Lunch Break officials say the community’s support is needed now more than ever.
Kate McMahon, development director for the Red Bank soup kitchen, said some people come to Lunch Break that never imagined they would need the help.
“And, a lot of people think you need a major catastrophe, and that’s what it takes — a death, a divorce or a disease,” she said. “Here in Monmouth County, what we’ve seen is most people are literally one flat tire away from financial disaster.”
Lunch Break will hold the 2015 Foodstock Food & Fund Drive 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. May 16 at Red Bank Middle School, 101 Harding Road.
This year’s goal is to collect 100,000 pounds of food. Last year’s goal of 50,000 was exceeded, with 60,000 pounds of food being collected. For those unable to come to the event, donations will be accepted through June 30.
In addition to food donations, Lunch Break is also seeking monetary donations, which will be used to purchase food in bulk.
“It’s an investment in your community,” McMahon said.
The role that Lunch Break has played, and continues to play, in the lives of Monmouth County residents is essential, she said.
According to McMahon, one in every five New Jerseyans struggles with food scarcity. Millie Jeter, executive assistant, adds that 10 new families arrive to access Lunch Break’s services each day.
What makes Lunch Break stand out is an atmosphere of respect, dignity and compassion, according to Jeter.
“I was just speaking to a couple that came from Keansburg, and I asked them why they came all the way up here to use the pantry,” Jeter said. “And the first thing they said was, ‘The way you treat us. You treat us with dignity. You don’t make us feel that we’re low.’ ”
As the Foodstock community food drive approaches, Lunch Break is counting on the support of the community.
In the midst of a $5 million capital campaign that included a major expansion of facilities and services, McMahon said Lunch Break needs donations to sustain its community offerings, which include food, clothing, job searches and life essentials.
“There’s the perception that we’re rolling in millions,” McMahon said. “We are not. We need you now, really more than we have ever needed you.”
A major change is coming in June, when Lunch Break transitions from distributing prepackaged bags of groceries at the food pantry to a client-choice pantry.
That will mean that instead of handing clients bags of groceries, clients will be able to “shop” from a selection of food items on the pantry shelves as they would in a grocery store.
“A national organization did research and found when you do prescriptive bagging, over 65 percent [of food] is wasted,” McMahon said. “Why? They don’t want it. They can’t eat it, and they don’t have the facilities to cook it.
“By giving them a choice — and this is what we are built upon — it gives back dignity.”
Lunch Break also offers unique services, such as a boutique-style clothing center called Clara’s Closet, for people in need of clothing or professional attire.
Every Tuesday morning, Lunch Break also provides patrons with fresh fruits and vegetables from local community gardens.
Ultimately, it all comes back to the strength and support of the community, McMahon said.
“Lunch Break is a community center,” McMahon said of the 32-year-old establishment.
The Foodstock shopping list includes nonperishable food items such as canned beans, fruits and vegetables; egg noodles; macaroni and cheese; peanut butter and jelly; rice; shelf-stable milk; snacks; spaghetti sauce; tuna fish; and toiletries.
Donations of funds will be matched up dollar-for-dollar up to $32,000 by a group of donors. Every $1 donated will equal one pound for Foodstock.
For more information or to donate online, visit lunchbreak.org or call 732-747-8577, ext. 3103.