Toms River Families In Need Getting Fed In Coronavirus Crisis

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River families who are struggling to put food on the table during the shutdowns sparked by the outbreak of the coronavirus are getting a helping hand to make sure they don't go without food.

A partnership of Toms River Township and Fulfill, formerly the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, will be distributing emergency food kits on Friday at five sites in Toms River, including four of the Toms River school district's elmentary schools.

The food kits are free and provide multiple days of groceries to residents struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic. Thousands of New Jersey residents have lost their jobs as businesses and services have shut down as part of efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. More than 47,000 people have tested positive and more than 1,500 have died from the virus, as of Wednesday's numbers, state officials have said.

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"We are addressing food insecurity at a time when many families are struggling," Toms River Mayor Maurice B. Hill said. "I want everyone to know during this crisis that Toms River Township is there to stand with them and to help in any way we can."

The food kits will be distributed from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday at the following sites:

• East Dover Elementary School, 725 Vaughn Avenue, Toms River. Students from Cedar Grove, Washington Street, High School East, Intermediate East and East Dover should pick up meals at East Dover.

• Joseph A. Citta Elementary School, 2050 Lakewood Road, Toms River. Students from North Dover, Silver Bay, Intermediate North, High School North and Citta should pick up from Citta .

• South Toms River Elementary School, 419 Dover Road, Toms River. Students from Pine Beach, Beachwood, Intermediate South and South Toms River should pick up from South Toms River Elementary School.

• Walnut Street Elementary School, 60 Walnut Street, Toms River. Students from West Dover, Hooper Avenue, High School South and Walnut Street should pick up from Walnut Street Elementary.

• Third Avenue Parking Lot, Ortley Beach. Anyone living on the barrier island should pick up at Third Avenue, Ortley Beach

The food distribution will be a drive-through set-up to maintain social distancing and limit interactions. Families should stay in their vehicle at all times. Please keep your windows closed and pop the trunk and they will deliver the food to the trunk or truck bed.

Fulfill says several food pantries and soup kitchens have closed due to a lack of volunteers and fear of the coronavirus spreading, making it difficult for those in need to gain access to food.

"We expect to see more and more people seeking food assistance as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic deepens," Council President Maria Maruca said. "The goal of this partnership is to ensure that no family goes hungry during these difficult times."

"Toms River is committed to making sure that none of our residents go hungry," Councilman Terrance Turnbach said. "We are all in this together and we will get through this together."

Residents in need of emergency food kits are asked to contact Stacy Proebstle by email at sproebstle@tomsrivertownship.com or by calling 732-341-1000, ext. 8234.

Fulfill is accepting donations to help its mission of feeding those in need. Donations can be made through its website here.

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