Operation Barbecue Rescue Helping Feed Toms River Needy

TOMS RIVER, NJ — In years past, Operation Barbecue Relief has traveled to areas ravaged by weather disasters, feeding people in the midst of crisis situations.

Now, the nonprofit organization is turning its disaster relief efforts to its home state, planning to deliver 7,500 meals to those in need over the next four weeks.

The bulk meals will be served to:

• Children who no longer receive hot lunches at school because in-person classes are cancelled for the remainder of the school year
• Healthcare workers at hospitals who are responding to COVID-19
• Homeless populations throughout the community
• Veterans who have served our country
• Women who are seeking shelter at safe homes
• Families with members who have recently lost their jobs
• First responders serving on the front lines
• Organizations that are short on volunteers as social distancing guidelines are in place

DJR Catering also will continue serving individual takeout barbecue meals to individuals in need on the following Fridays at the Presbyterian Church in Toms River: May 1, May 8, May 15 and May 22.

The meals will be served from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the church, at 1070 Hooper Ave. DJR Catering dished out meals at the church on April 17.

"As recommended by the CDC, we are practicing social distancing and limiting interactions," the organization said. "The food distribution will be performed drive-through style. Families should remain in their vehicle at all times. Please keep your windows closed and pop the trunk and we will deliver the food to the trunk or truck bed."

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