Free Back-To-School Resource Event To Be Held For Somerset County Families

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Somerset County and the Somerset Patriots are planning a free back-to-school resource event at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater to help families prepare for the 2026-2027 school year.

The event is set for Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1 Patriots Park. No ticket is required to enter or participate.

Subscribe

The county said the event will connect students and families with school supplies and local service agencies.

Co-sponsors the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and the United Way of Northern New Jersey will provide free boxes of food and give away free backpacks to residents while supplies last.

"The 'to-do list' at the start of a new school year can become stressful and overwhelming for many families," said Commissioner Elizabeth Graner, liaison to the Somerset County Human Services Department. "This event aims to ease those burdens by connecting students and families with school supplies and local service agencies that are knowledgeable, resourceful, and committed to helping residents thrive in Somerset County."

The county said the partnership with the Somerset Patriots is meant to give residents a welcoming place to speak with local agencies at the ballpark.

Patriots President and General Manager Patrick McVerry said the team was glad to make the stadium available for the event.

"As an integral member of the Somerset County community, it’s our responsibility to do our part to help those in need," said McVerry. "We are happy to use our ballpark as the site for this event to assist families in our area, whether that’s with food, school supplies, or to make the connection to available resources to support them along the way."

The event will also include information on services tied to the physical, mental and financial well-being of families in Somerset County.

ZuFall Health, which operates a service facility inside Somerset County’s Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center in Bridgewater, will share information about finding affordable healthcare.

Community Child Care Solutions will provide information about reducing childcare costs through subsidy programs.

"There is no way that any one organization in Somerset County can fight the battle against food insecurity alone," said Executive Director Steve Katz, Food Bank Network of Somerset County. "We all operate in a resource constrained environment, and it takes a collaborative effort by nonprofits, government agencies, civic and faith-based organizations, corporations, and individuals. The Food Bank Network of Somerset County is proud to work alongside these amazing partners, and we hope to see many of them out at the ballpark."

According to the county, more than 20 other agencies are expected to attend to help families seek financial assistance, locate community services and complete applications for programs including SNAP.

"The SNAP crisis in November of 2025 underscored how many families in our community are facing challenges related to food security, rising costs, and access to essential services," said Human Services Director Mollie Greene.

Residents can learn more about county resources at somersetcountynj.gov/government/human-services/resources-publications/resource-guide.