50 Weeks In, Efforts To Feed Hungry Continue In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — For the 50th week, those in need of food will be able to pick up emergency food kits at the weekly food distribution in the Toms River area on Friday.

South Toms River Elementary School and the Toms River Presbyterian Church on Hooper Avenue will be hosting the distributions beginning at 9 a.m., as they have been for nearly a year.

"If you or a loved one are suffering from food insecurity, please come see us for a smile and food to last for days," Toms River Councilman Terrance Turnbach, one of the organizers of the "Pop the Trunk" distribution, said in his weekly post about the distributions.

Fulfill, formerly the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, supplies emergency food kits and those are supplemented by other organizations. Fulfill has provided millions of meals in Ocean and Monmouth counties since shutdowns started during the pandemic. Those who wish to support Fulfill can make a donation directly on the Fulfill website, www.fulfill.org.

That isn't the only effort to feed the hungry during the coronavirus pandemic. The Toms River Regional School District is encouraging families in need whose income has been reduced because of the pandemic to apply for free and reduced-price lunches.

Those families also may be eligible for "Pandemic EBT," which is food benefits specifically for families affected by the pandemic.

To qualify for funds when they become available, parents and other caregivers must fill out a school meals application, if their children are not already approved for the free or low-cost meals.

If your child is already approved to receive free/low-cost meals, check with your school district to make sure your child’s address and birthdate are correct.

If anyone in your household (including you) currently participates in one or more of the assistance programs listed below, your children are eligible for free school meals:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or NJ SNAP.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or NJ TANF/WorkFirst NJ.

In addition to that assistance, the Toms River Schools are distributing free food to all students weekly on Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. More information is here.

Searching for a food bank in Ocean County? 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.