Food assistance need increased in Monmouth and Ocean Counties
by Bayshore Courier News
Posted:02/05/10

At a press conference yesterday at the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties in Neptune, the findings of a nationwide study were announced.

12th District Legislators Senator Jennifer Beck, Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon and Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande applaud the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties for their participation in a nationwide study conducted by Feeding America that exposes the alarming and devastating reality being faced here in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

"In District 12," said Beck, who attended the press event, "we have certainly seen an increased need for assistance in many areas, especially concerning food. We're seeing populations that never required assistance before but who have either lost their jobs or are working but underemployed and simply not earning enough to feed their families. Reportedly according to the study, 53% of people receiving assistance from the FoodBank are working, but unable to sustain themselves and their families. These are distressing numbers and serve to reinforce the fact that New Jersey needs to make job creation a priority. We're last on every scale of business friendliness, and it's clear that we have that to thank for our high unemployment and underemployment. It's time to make some changes."

Over the past four years, the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties has seen the amount of food it is giving out double from 3.3 million in 2005 to 6.7 million in 2009 according to the press release. Over that same time period, the demographic has also changed significantly from being made up of mostly single men in 2005 to having a large number of families in need of its services last year.

The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties has a network of 251 food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters, and they serve 127,500 residents of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Reportedly according to the study, 91% of pantries and 86% of soup kitchens indicated a devastating impact on their ability to provide food for families in need if the FoodBank was no longer able to supply it. In addition, as many as 92% of soup kitchens and 97% of pantries rely on the services of volunteers to keep their programs running, and the majority have no paid staff at all.

"Since the economy took a downward turn in 2008," said Casagrande, "we have seen so many people in need, but also so many people prove just how generous they can be. It's important to recognize that even as we begin to see improvements in the economy, unemployment in New Jersey is over 10%, higher than the national average, and your friends and neighbors are still in need of assistance. Food pantries are seeing extreme shortages. I encourage anyone who can afford to give, to do so, and those who cannot donate food or money, can donate their time."

"These days," said O'Scanlon, "everyone probably knows someone who has had to seek some assistance for the first time. Since 2005, the FoodBank has seen its demand increase of 84% in the population they serve, which is nearly double the increase at both the state (45%) and national (46%) levels. That's almost a total of 130,000 people in Monmouth and Ocean Counties who are now in need of the services provided by the FoodBank. We're in bad shape, and we have to do whatever we can to support agencies such as the FoodBank in their efforts."

If you are interested in donating to or volunteering at the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, please call 732-918-2600 or visit (FoodBankmoc.org.)


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