EATONTOWN — For thousands of New Jersey children, 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 prevent food insecurity for local youth and their families with a food drive through July 31.
The Mercy Center in Asbury Park, The People’s Pantry in Toms River and We Feed Woodbridge food pantries and assistance centers will be accepting non-perishable food at Boscov’s locations at the Monmouth Mall, Ocean County Mall and Woodbridge Center.
Food collection bins at Boscov’s will be located in high-traffic areas. Food can also be given 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. The organizations also assist residents with their educational, housing and employment needs.
Donations can be dropped off during normal operating hours at: Boscov’s Monmouth Mall, 180 Route 35 south, Eatontown; Boscov’s Ocean County Mall, 1201 Hooper Ave., Toms River; and Boscov’s Woodbridge Center, 441 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge.