The shelves at Fulfill of Monmouth and Ocean Counties are fairly empty. That is why the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders is placing food collection bins at 11 county buildings, 13 county libraries and four county parks as a way for residents to assist their neighbors in need.
“The challenge of feeding the hungry never ends,” said Freeholder John P. Curley, liaison to Social Services. “Some families are struggling to make ends meet and Fulfill is an invaluable asset in providing assistance. April is when we especially focus our efforts on replenishing their shelves to supply them with nonperishable items that help people get through difficult times. If everyone donates one or two items, we can support a large group of people who otherwise would go hungry.”
This is the seventh consecutive year the county has partnered with Fulfill to conduct the April Food Drive, according to a press release.
Food items suitable for donation are nonperishable, protein-rich foods such as peanut butter, granola bars and tuna fish. Other most needed food items are ready-to-eat canned meals, canned fruits, canned vegetables, instant potatoes, canned soup, dry soup, canned pork and beans, canned juices, sip-size juices, and hot and cold cereal.
Curley said, “Spring is a season when fewer people donate food and funds to charities of their choice. Nationwide and here at home, food bank operations face periods of greatest need between January and August — a time outside of traditional periods of giving and volunteering coinciding with the holiday season. Nonperishable items are requested by families daily, but the most frequently-requested items are those not covered by public assistance programs. April is the perfect time to help those in need and raise awareness of county government functions.”
Food drop-off locations in western Monmouth County are: Allentown, Allentown Library, 16 S. Main St.; Colts Neck, Colts Neck Library, 1 Winthrop Drive; Freehold Borough, Hall of Records Annex, 1 E. Main St.; Freehold Borough, Monmouth County Clerk’s Office, 33 Mechanic St.; Freehold Borough, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, 132 Jerseyville Ave.; Freehold Township, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, 2500 Kozloski Road; Freehold Township, Monmouth County Agriculture Building, 4000 Kozloski Road; Freehold Township, Human Services Building, 3000 Kozloski Road; Freehold Township, Public Works Complex, 250 Center St.; Freehold Township, Monmouth County Election Offices and Special Services, 300 Halls Mills Road; Howell, Howell Library, 318 Old Tavern Road; Howell, Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, 331 Georgia Tavern Road; Howell, Monmouth County Fire Academy, 1027 Route 33; Manalapan, Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive; and Marlboro, Marlboro Library, 1 Library Ct. and Wyncrest Road.