Stafford Gets Grant To Fill Little Free Food Pantries

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Stafford Township received a $1,000 grant to fill its Little Free Food Pantries. The Acme Foundation awarded the grant to the Recreation Department and Stafford PBA 297.

The Recreation Department continually checks and stocks its Little Free Food Pantries. Here's where you can find them:

• Bay Avenue Community Center
• Beach Avenue Park
• Heritage Park
• Ocean Acres Fire/EMS buildings

"Please do not hesitate to stop by the food pantries," Stafford Recreation wrote on social media. "All we ask is that you take only what your family needs that day."

Residents can donate nonperishable food items directly to the boxes or drop them off at the Bay Avenue Community Center (775 East Bay Ave.). Make sure to check expiration dates before donating.

Contact 609-597-1000 ext. 8583 for assistance, more information or to volunteer.

Food insecurity has increased in Ocean County since the coronavirus pandemic began. About 52,900, or 8.9 percent, were considered food insecure before the pandemic, according to Feeding America's "Map the Meal Gap" interactive study.

Job loss and other economic crises associated with the coronavirus could push the rate of food insecurity in Ocean County to 14.2 percent by the end of the year. Read more: Coronavirus Increases Hunger: Find A Food Bank In Ocean County

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.