Benefit recognized local organizations for their support fighting hunger in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

NEPTUNE, NJ – On Thursday, May 8th, Fulfill hosted their annual Shore to Rock Hunger gala event at Baseline Social in Oceanport, NJ. Bringing together supporters from across Monmouth and Ocean County, the event featured the Kings of Disco, former members of the Village People, and honored four partners for their contributions in the fight against hunger.

Honorees:

• New Jersey Resources – Mission Sustainer Award
• Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey – Nourishing Neighbors Award
• Community Affairs & Resource Center (CARC) – Collaborative Changemaker Award
• The National Council of Negro Women, North Shore Area Section – Strategic Service Award

More than 110,000 Monmouth and Ocean County neighbors rely on Fulfill and its network of food pantries. This is 12% more than just one year ago and double what it was before the pandemic. The costs of living, including food, housing, transportation, and healthcare, have all been on the rise, while wages have not kept up. Working families, seniors on fixed incomes, veterans, and children are finding it difficult to make ends meet.

As community need for food assistance continues to rise, Fulfill, along with food banks across the United States, are facing loss of funding and food deliveries from the federal government. Fulfill is watching the federal budget process as well. The current budget proposal includes cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“Joining us tonight [at the event] are the CEO’s of two of our sister food banks: Bernie Flynn from Mercer Street Friends, and Mark Valli from NORWESCAP. Together, last year, our three food banks distributed nearly 25 million meals. Even a 5% cut to SNAP would take away so many meals in New Jersey it would be like wiping away all three of our food banks,” said Triada Stampas, President & CEO of Fulfill, to those in attendance.

She went on to say, “Hunger is a challenge that no one organization can solve alone. Tonight’s honorees show what’s possible when community partners come together with a shared purpose in order to nourish our neighbors and build a stronger, more food-secure future.”

The event raised almost $350,000 towards Fulfill’s mission to fight hunger. Lead sponsors included: New Jersey Resources, Central Reach/Chris and Sarah Sullens, The Citta Foundation, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Stillwell-Hansen/Carol Stillwell, Franks Big & Tall/Marowitz Family, Stop & Shop, Wegmans, and Willams. More than 200 guests enjoyed the Kings of Disco, former members of the Village People, with many hitting the dance floor to some disco-era hits.

To learn more about Fulfill’s mission or to become involved, visit www.fulfillnj.org.

About Fulfill:
Honoring its 40th anniversary, Fulfill, the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, has been dedicated to addressing hunger in the Jersey Shore community since 1984. As an active member of Feeding America, Fulfill proudly works with a network of nearly 300 partners, including soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters to provide 1.3 million meals per month to area residents, families, children, seniors and veterans in need. Committed to more than just food distribution, Fulfill also offers connections to affordable healthcare options, Medicaid, SNAP and other services to help neighbors lead healthy and self-sufficient lives. To learn more or become involved, visit www.fulfillnj.org.