Jersey Shore McDonald's Owners Donate 500 Turkeys To FoodBank

NEPTUNE, NJ — The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties received a much-needed boost just before Thanksgiving, thanks to the efforts of local McDonald's restaurants, according to a news release.

The owners and operators of McDonald's in the area collaborated to donate 500 turkeys to the FoodBank for those in need, the fourth year of this partnership.

McDonald's owners and operators along with FoodBank staff hand-delivered the turkeys to the FoodBank’s 40,000-square-foot facility in Neptune, to then benefit the FoodBank’s network of more than 300 programs that provide more than 12 million meals annually to Monmouth and Ocean residents who face job losses, low income and higher costs of living, the release said.

“We are thankful to have the opportunity to partner with The FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties for a fourth year,” said Jessica Mato, one of the participating owner/operators. “As neighbors, McDonald’s franchisees are committed to giving back to the communities where they do business. This event allows us to show our thanks to the members of communities during a special time of year.”

McDonald’s owner/operators supporting the partnership include Tony and Alana Marinello, Sandy and Linda Chapman, Ken Hullings, Donna and Kevin Belbey, Larry Larsen, Jessica Mato, Margaret Gillis, Christine Seraphin and Lee Herbert.

“We are grateful for partners like McDonald’s, who respond to the increased demand for more holiday meals each year to help feed local families,” said Carlos Rodriguez, executive director of The FoodBank, which got its start in 1984. "This turkey donation allows us to help create a special holiday moment for the families in our community. We thank McDonald’s for understanding and supporting the importance of giving our neighbors a chance to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner at home with their families.”

"The FoodBank envisions Monmouth and Ocean Counties as a food secure community where all people at all times have access to enough nutritious food to maintain an active and healthy life," the release said.

Photo provided by McDonald's New York Tri-State