MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ - Middlesex County is marking Hunger Action Month this September with a series of events, food drives and educational initiatives aimed at combating food insecurity and supporting REPLENISH, the county's food bank.
REPLENISH, based in East Brunswick, works year-round to fight hunger, supporting partners across all 25 municipalities and distributing millions of pounds of food annually. More than 106,000 Middlesex County residents experience food insecurity, according to the county.
Two grants are supporting REPLENISH's work through Feeding Middlesex County, its nonprofit partner. The FirstEnergy Foundation awarded a $75,000 grant to the organization, while Bristol Myers Squibb donated $60,000 to purchase turkeys and chickens for Thanksgiving distribution and will provide volunteers to help with the effort.
"Hunger Action Month is a time for our community to step up and help residents in need," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. "I encourage everyone to support REPLENISH this month by volunteering or donating. Whether it is giving your time, donating food, or helping spread the word about available resources, every action can make a difference and help make food accessible to residents in our communities."
"Food insecurity exists in our community, even when it's not visible," said Middlesex County Commissioner Claribel Azcona-Barber, chair of the Community Services Committee. "This month, be a voice by sharing local resources, including our Healthy Food Access Map, to help connect someone with the assistance they may need. By increasing awareness and making sure people know where to turn for help, we can strengthen the network of support available to our neighbors."
"REPLENISH works year-round to make sure food reaches the residents and organizations that need it most," said REPLENISH Director Jennifer Apostal. "Hunger Action Month gives us an opportunity to shine a light on that work and remind our community that everyone has a role to play in building a stronger, more food-secure Middlesex County."
Looking ahead, REPLENISH and Feeding Middlesex County will host the fourth annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot on Thursday, Nov. 26, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park.
Residents, businesses and organizations can support REPLENISH's hunger-relief efforts year-round by donating food or basic supplies at the REPLENISH facility in East Brunswick, open 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.; hosting a food drive; making a monetary donation to Feeding Middlesex County; or volunteering at the distribution center or at community events. More information is available by calling 732-729-0880 or visiting feedingmiddlesexcounty.org.
Residents in need of food assistance can use the Middlesex County Healthy Food Access Map, which lists food pantries, farmers' markets and transportation routes, at middlesexcountynj.gov/healthyfoodsmap.
More information on REPLENISH is available at middlesexcountynj.gov/replenish.
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