Lunch Break Volunteers Praised By Red Bank Nonprofit

RED BANK, NJ — September is Hunger Action Month and for Lunch Break, the Red Bank resource center for social services and food services, every day of every month its volunteers take action to combat hunger.

So this month in particular, the organization wants to take a moment to recognize the work of volunteers - as well as the work of staff and the support of the community, said Executive Director Gwendolyn Love.

Lunch Break relies on its network of more than 2,000 volunteers, some of whom served through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, to support the organization’s varied food and service programs for those in Monmouth County living at or below the poverty line, she said in a news release.

“Lunch Break is fortunate to have such wonderful volunteers, Board members, staff and supporters, many of whom have served their community for at least a decade. We are proud to honor their commitment to our mission, as well as the compassion they have demonstrated for their food- and financially insecure community members. Without them, there would be no Lunch Break,” said Love.

Love recounted some statistics for the organization, which never charges for its services:

• In 2021, Lunch Break continued to see an unprecedented demand for groceries, with more than 19,000 food pickups and 12,400 meals delivered to homebound recipients.
• As of January 2022, there have been 12,000-plus food pickups. The same holds true for grab-and-go meals — Continental breakfast and lunch served six days a week and Community Dinner on Friday — with more than 89,000 grab-and-go meals served.
• Since January 2022, more than 56,000 meals have been provided for food-insecure community members.
• Every week, over 100 hot meals are delivered to displaced individuals in the Pan American Motel in Eatontown.
• Clara’s Closet distributed clothing to more than 2,800 individuals on an as-needed basis.
• Outreach Clothing Program distributed more than 700 bags of clothing to individuals throughout Monmouth County.
• The Suit Up Program provided 62 individuals with business attire.
• The Backpack Program ensured that 1,362 backpacks and school supplies were distributed to students in need.
• The annual Holiday Program provided gift cards for 1,295 families.
• Children’s Cooking Class offered 67 children tuition-free, virtual cooking classes.
• Life Skills Program partners with clients to gain skills to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Up to 122 people per month attended coaching sessions, with 30 participants gaining employment.
• Womyn’s Worth - Female Mentorship Program focusing on health, nutrition and wellness through discussions, workshops and speakers.
• COVID-19 Emergency Fund distributed more than $900,000 to vendors for housing and utility expenses, cable bills, car payments and urgent expenses.

In New Jersey, 865,900 people, including 260,340 children, are food insecure, according to a 2021 Feeding America and Hunger Free report, the organization said. In Monmouth County, 44,060 people, including 9,000 children are food insecure, the news release noted.

Inflationary costs, such as rent, child care, utilities, transportation and health care are forcing many neighbors to go without sustenance. Lunch Break community members are struggling to make ends meet and affording necessities is nearly impossible, the organization said. This not only affects their quality of life, it is an obstacle to attaining self-sufficiency. The Life Skills Program provides skills training and resume, ESL and financial coaching to equip participants with the necessary tools to make them more marketable for employment.

And Family Promise of Monmouth County works with community agencies, faith-based services, churches and synagogues to provide supportive services, financial assistance, shelter, and food, for families and individuals in need.

In 2021, Lunch Break launched a $12 million capital campaign for the expansion and renovation of the facility at 121 Drs. James Parker Blvd., to include the adjacent vacant property in order to offer more self-sufficiency programs and increased community partnerships.

The building renovation and construction of new spaces will provide much needed facilities for food storage, an expanded pantry, kitchen and dining facilities, education rooms, and incorporate the Life Skills Center, which is now off-site.

To donate or for more information, go to www/lunchbreak.org.