BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Somerset County is teaming up with the Somerset Patriots to host a free back-to-school resource event at TD Bank Ballpark, aimed at connecting families with school supplies, food assistance and local service agencies ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the ballpark, 1 Patriots Park in Bridgewater. No ticket is required to enter or participate.
"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."
Co-sponsors the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and the United Way of Northern New Jersey will hand out free boxes of food and free backpacks to residents while supplies last.
"There is no way that any one organization in Somerset County can fight the battle against food insecurity alone," said Steve Katz, executive director of the 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."
The Somerset Patriots are hosting the event at their ballpark to give residents a welcoming space to connect with local agencies.
"As an integral member of the Somerset County community, it's our responsibility to do our part to help those in need," said Patrick McVerry, the Patriots' president and general manager. "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."
Beyond food and school supplies, residents can also connect with services supporting physical, mental and financial well-being. ZuFall Health, which operates a facility inside Somerset County's Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center in Bridgewater, will provide information on affordable healthcare options. Community Child Care Solutions will help residents learn about reducing childcare costs through subsidy programs.
"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. "This event is helping families prepare for a successful school year while strengthening access to the resources that promote long-term stability and well-being in Somerset County."
More than 20 other agencies are expected to attend to help residents apply for financial assistance and benefit programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP. Additional resources on mental health, school-related challenges and support for individuals with developmental disabilities will also be available.
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