Goya Gives Peoples Pantry A Big Housewarming Present

TOMS RIVER, NJ -- It started as a response to a crisis -- one of the biggest storms ever to strike the Jersey Shore.

And while the immediate needs created in the wake of Hurricane Sandy were addressed, the grassroots effort of the community -- which donated so many items to the shelter at Toms River High School East that a Community Medical Center warehouse was used to store them -- led to an awareness that there was a greater need for assistance, and the Peoples Pantry was created.

Like many of those initially helped in the wake of Sandy, the Peoples Pantry has led something of a nomadic existence over nearly four years since Sandy struck.

Finally, the independently funded food pantry has found a forever home at 1769 Hooper Ave. in Toms River.

“It is important logistically for our clients to be close to the other organizations that also provide services and support,” said Patricia Donaghue, executive director of the Peoples Pantry.

And the pantry is receiving an incredible assist: Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States and celebrating its 80th anniversary, announced it will provide a food donation of up to 1,500 pounds of food each week, totaling a donation of close to 60,000 pounds of food per year, pantry officials announced.

Conveniently located in the B.E.A.T. Center, the Monmouth Ocean Food Bank and the Jon Bon Jovi’s Soul to Soul Kitchen, the People's Pantry will be able to fully service the community.

"I cannot tell you how important it is to our mission of feeding hungry families that Goya Foods has become a strong supporter of the People's Pantry," Donoghue said, noting that food shortages are always a concern for pantries. "Goya has been a family-run company since 1936 and is truly an American success story. Their generous contributions will allow us to provide fresh and nutritious food to our clients in need."

"We cannot thank Goya Foods enough for their continued support,” Donoghue said.

The donation is part of the Goya Gives campaign, a series of annual donations that serves to encourage others to participate in the message and act of helping those in need.

“We are proud to support the outstanding work of Peoples Pantry, who are the ones making a difference right here in our communities,” says Bob Unanue, president of Goya Foods. “We have always believed in helping those in need and grateful for the commendable efforts of Peoples Pantry in providing those who go without proper nourishment.”

The public can also share their moments of giving by using #GoyaGives message on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information about Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com.