Manasquan Teen Fights Hunger One Donation at a Time

Assemblyman Dave Rible joined Manasquan High School junior Monica Murphy Tuesday as she unveiled a "CANsculpture" of donated canned foods for distribution to the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Murphy's Cansculpture was made of 2,500 cans of beans arranged to be a replica of the high school. Donations came from students as well as B&M Baked Beans, which donated 480 cans, and Wakefern Corp., which gave 1,800 cans.

Murphy, 17, started her CANsculpture back in the spring of fifth grade when she visited the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, where she found the shelves empty. She said she learned that people are more generous during the holidays so the shelves are full; but hunger is year round.  Monica decided to hold the Canscuplture event in the spring to bring awareness to the public.

Rible thanked Monica for her community spirit and quipped that she may give him a run for his seat in the Assembly in a few years.  

Carlos Rodriguez, executive director of The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, offered his heartfelt thanks to Murphy, who is mentoring Xander Bossone 12, a sixth-grader at Manasquan Elementary School to take the baton when she graduates so this event might continue.