July 17, 2026
Together at the Table: Local Leaders Unite to Address Food Insecurity in Southern Ocean County.
Together at the Table: Local Leaders Unite to Address Food Insecurity in Southern Ocean County.
For more than four decades, Fulfill has served as the Food Bank of Monmouth and
Ocean Counties, working to alleviate hunger while helping families achieve long term
food security. Through a network of food pantries, soup kitchens, schools, community
organizations, and dedicated volunteers, Fulfill provides millions of pounds of food each
year while connecting neighbors with programs that address the root causes of hunger.
Their mission extends beyond providing meals by empowering individuals and families
with the resources they need to build a healthier, more stable future.
While food insecurity impacts communities throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties,
recent research has revealed that many residents in Southern Ocean County face
unique challenges when it comes to accessing food and support services. Those
findings became the catalyst for Together at the Table, a collaborative workshop held on
July 15, bringing together community leaders, nonprofit organizations, healthcare
providers, educators, businesses, faith communities, local government representatives,
and other partners committed to strengthening food access in our region.
Hosted by The Grunin Foundation and Fulfill, the event was supported by The Citta
Foundation, Hackensack Meridian Health Southern Ocean Medical Center, OceanFirst
Bank, United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, the Southern Ocean County
Chamber of Commerce, and Causeway CARes. While each organization serves the
community in different ways, they all gathered around a common goal: ensuring that
every neighbor has reliable access to nutritious food and the support they need to
thrive.
The workshop was inspired by Fulfill’s recently completed Service Area Assessment, a
comprehensive evaluation of food insecurity, service gaps, and resource accessibility
throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. The assessment examined food insecurity
at the ZIP code level while also gathering valuable feedback from more than 1,000 local
residents through surveys and community listening sessions. Rather than relying solely
on statistics, the study focused on understanding the real life experiences of families
facing food insecurity every day.
The findings painted a clear picture. Food insecurity continues to rise across both
counties, affecting more than 131,000 residents. Ocean County experiences a higher
rate of food insecurity than Monmouth County, with many households struggling to
consistently access healthy, nutritious food. The assessment also highlighted an often
overlooked reality: thousands of working families earn too much to qualify for federal
nutrition assistance programs such as SNAP, yet still face impossible decisions between
paying for groceries, housing, utilities, healthcare, transportation, and other basic
necessities.
For many residents in Southern Ocean County, the challenge is not simply the
availability of food. It is access.
The assessment found that transportation barriers, limited pantry locations, and
restricted operating hours create significant obstacles for families seeking assistance.
Many food distribution sites operate only during traditional weekday business hours,
making it difficult for working individuals and caregivers to receive support. Evening and
weekend food assistance remains extremely limited throughout Southern Ocean
County, leaving many neighbors with few options during the times they need help most.
Community listening sessions reinforced these findings. Residents shared stories of
regularly skipping meals, stretching groceries beyond their limits, and making difficult
choices between buying food or paying essential household expenses. Others
described transportation challenges, mobility limitations, and work schedules that
prevent them from accessing available services. Their experiences underscored an
important truth: addressing hunger requires more than providing food. It requires
building systems that are accessible, responsive, and designed around the needs of the
community.
Recognizing that no single organization can solve these challenges alone, Together at
the Table was created to move beyond research and begin building collaborative
solutions.
Throughout the workshop, participants discussed existing community resources,
identified service gaps, explored opportunities to improve transportation and food
distribution, and examined ways organizations could better coordinate their efforts. The
goal was not to create another individual program, but rather to strengthen partnerships
that will create meaningful, long term improvements in food access throughout Southern
Ocean County.
Causeway CARes was proud to stand alongside fellow community partners in support
of this important initiative. The partnership between Causeway CARes and Fulfill
extends far beyond this event and reflects a shared commitment to serving our
neighbors.
David C. Wintrode, President of Causeway CARes and the Causeway Family of
Dealerships, served on Fulfill’s Board of Trustees for nine years and played an integral
role in the development of the BEAT Center, helping expand Fulfill’s ability to provide
innovative programs and services that address hunger and food insecurity throughout
the region.
Today, that commitment continues through Joe Stroffolino, Director of Marketing and
Advertising for Causeway Family of Dealerships and Causeway CARes, who currently
serves as Vice Chair of Fulfill’s Board of Trustees. His ongoing leadership reflects
Causeway’s continued dedication to supporting organizations that improve the quality of
life for residents across our community.
Together at the Table demonstrated what can happen when nonprofits, businesses,
healthcare organizations, educators, local leaders, and community partners come together around a shared purpose. While the challenges surrounding food insecurity are significant, so is the collective commitment to finding lasting solutions.
By listening to the voices of local residents, strengthening partnerships, and turning
research into action, Fulfill and its community partners are laying the foundation for a
future where every neighbor has reliable access to nutritious food and the resources
they need to live healthy, productive lives.
Causeway CARes is honored to be part of that mission and looks forward to continuing
its partnership with Fulfill as together we work to build a stronger, healthier Southern
Ocean County.
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