Wanted: Canned Tuna and Peanut Butter for County Food Drive

The campaign is on to collect 25,000 lbs. of non-perishable food to stock the shelves of the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties throughout April. 

Last year, the inaugural spring drive collected 22,000 lbs.

But this year, there is increased need for emergency food along the shore communities following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.

Collection bins will also be at the Belford Ferry Terminal and the Thompson Park Visitor Center in Lincroft. Also, at Monmouth County library branches in towns outside Middletown (which does not participate in the county system.) Nearby locations include Atlantic Highlands, Colts Neck, Hazlet, and Marlboro.

“When the FoodBank started 25 years ago it distributed 100,000 pounds of food,” said Carlos M. Rodriguez, executive director of the FoodBank. “Last year, we supplied more than 260 food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters with 7.1 million pounds of food. We continue to experience an increase in the demand for emergency food. The need is here.”

Non-perishable, protein-rich foods such as canned meats, tuna, peanut butter and jelly and jarred fruits are needed. 

The food drive is supported by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. "We urge everyone to participate,” Freeholder John P. Curley said. “In these times it’s not just who we traditionally think of as the poor who need food; it is our friends and neighbors who are out of work and are struggling to get by.”