For thousands of New Jersey kids, summertime means vacations, camp, no homework, and fun. But for many others, the summer months mean they will no longer eat healthy meals at their public schools through reduced- and free-lunch programs.
Three local food pantries — and regional Boscov’s stores — are trying to combat ‘the summer slide’ and help prevent local youth and their families from suffering from food insecurity. The Mercy Center in Asbury Park, The People’s Pantry in Toms River, and We Feed Woodbridge food pantries and assistance centers will be collecting non-perishable food at Boscov’s locations at the Monmouth Mall, Ocean County Mall, and Woodbridge Center, respectively. People wishing to donate to these worthwhile organizations can find food collection bins at Boscov’s in high-traffic areas, or can give their donations to any Boscov’s associate to place in the donation boxes.
The Mercy Center, The People’s Pantry and We Feed Woodbridge are more than just places that hand out canned vegetables, boxes of instant rice and cereal. This trio of organizations helps to overcome the barriers that lead to food insecurity; they help area residents address educational, housing and employment needs, as well.
Local residents are encouraged to consider cleaning out their pantries, and donating to these local food pantries during this summer food collection drive, now through July 31, at Boscov’s locations listed below. Donations can be dropped off during normal operating hours at the stores.
Boscov’s Monmouth Mall
180 Route 35 South (at Route 36), Eatontown
Food Collection Drive benefiting Mercy Center, Asbury Park
Boscov’s Ocean County Mall
1201 Hooper Avenue (off Bay Avenue), Toms River
Food Collection Drive benefiting The People’s Pantry, Toms River
Boscov’s Woodbridge Center
441 Woodbridge Center Dr. (off Route 1/9), Woodbridge
Food Collection Drive benefiting “We Feed Woodbridge”