Fulfill, formerly The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, announced on Tuesday it has been given a grant by Bank of America to help meet the growing demand for food in the community.
The $200,000 donation will help the food bank create Crisis Relief Boxes to distribute to its network of pantries and other feeding programs. Each box has 30 pounds of shelf stable food to sustain a family of four for four days.
Prior to the coronavirus, Fulfill was feeding 136,000 people including 50,000 children. Now, the demand for food is 30-40% greater. In the past three weeks, Fulfill said it has served an additional 360,000 meals to people in need.
“The need for food has never been greater. In the last three weeks, Fulfill has served more than 360,000 extra meals. This food is in addition to the food we were already distributing. With unemployment soaring and more businesses closing, we expect the demand for food to further intensify. The generous donation comes at a time we need it most to serve our hungry neighbors. Thank you, Bank of America,” Kim Guadagno, CEO and president of Fulfill and the former Lt. Gov. of New Jersey, said.
The funds will also help extend Fulfill’s Restaurant Partnership Program, which launched in March in response to COVID-19. The program provides restaurant partners a $5 meal stipend for each meal prepared.
“Fulfill is a lifeline to those suffering from food insecurity at the Jersey Shore, especially in the current environment,” Alberto Garofalo, New Jersey market president, Bank of America, said. “We are here to support Fulfill’s tireless efforts and ensure they are equipped to continue serving our communities.”
