The seventh annual Foodstock picnic and food drive is scheduled for Oct. 15 from 1-7 p.m. on the grounds of the Freehold Township Independent Fire Company No. 1, Stillwells Corner Road, Freehold Township.
There is no admission fee to Foodstock, but each attendee is encouraged to bring at least 25 pounds of non-perishable food, according to a press release.
The event will feature entertainment from bands including Twice is Good, Sundries and Rock and Roll Chorus, a 25 member a capella group with members from high schools throughout the state. There will be a barbecue, and games and treats for people of all ages, according to the press release.
At the 2015 event, Foodstock collected nearly 55,000 pounds of food. The goal for this year is to reach 60,000 pounds. Since the effort began in 2010 as a school project, the group has collected more than 170,000 pounds of food, raised more than $70,000 and has amassed a team of nearly 100 volunteers supporting the effort, according to the press release.
Foodstock collects and delivers food to area food pantries throughout the year. In keeping with its mission to inspire young people to participate in community service, the food collections and deliveries involve schools, scouts and other youth groups throughout Monmouth County, according to the press release.
Beneficiaries of Foodstock include the Open Door food pantry in Freehold and the Lunch Break food pantry in Red Bank. Move For Hunger, which is a national nonprofit organization based in Asbury Park, and Lowy’s Moving Service will donate their time and resources to pick up the collections from Foodstock and provide delivery to the pantries, according to the press release.
For additional information visit www.foodstocknj.org. Foodstock welcomes area businesses to display their community support at its events with sponsorships or food donations. Sponsorship information can be found at www.foodstocknj.org/sponsors