April 7, 2020

(Toms River, NJ) Toms River Township is partnering with Fulfill (formerly the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties) to provide emergency “crisis” food kits to families in need during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The food kits, which are free to families, provide multiple days of groceries to residents struggling due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Mayor Maurice B. Hill said, “We are addressing food insecurity at a time when many families are struggling. I want everyone to know during this crisis, that Toms River Township is there to stand with them and to help in any way we can. “

Food kits will be distributed at five locations on Good Friday, April 10, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  

  • East Dover Elementary School, 725 Vaughn Avenue, Toms River
  • Joseph A. Citta Elementary School, 2050 Lakewood Road, Toms River
  • South Toms River Elementary School, 419 Dover Road, Toms River
  • Walnut Street Elementary School, 60 Walnut Street, Toms River
  • Third Avenue Parking Lot, Ortley Beach

As recommended by the CDC, we are practicing social distancing and limiting interactions. The food distribution will be performed drive-through style.  Families should remain in their vehicle at all times.  Please keep your windows closed and pop the trunk and we will deliver the food to the trunk or truck bed.

Fulfill says several food pantries and soup kitchens have closed due to a lack of volunteers and fear of the coronavirus spreading, making it difficult for those in need to gain access to food.

“We expect to see more and more people seeking food assistance as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic deepens,” said Council President Maria Maruca.  “The goal of this partnership is to ensure that no family goes hungry during these difficult times.”

Councilman Terrance Turnbach said the Township wants to ensure that our students and our community children and their families don’t lose access to food in this time.

“Toms River is committed to making sure that none of our residents go hungry.  We are all in this together and we will get through this together.”

Mayor Hill added, “We are able to do this through the generosity of Fulfill and the Toms River Board of Education.  I would like to thank the Toms River Board of Education for allowing us to use the schools as distribution sites and Fulfill for providing us with much-needed emergency food kits. It is the spirt of community that will help bring us some stability during this health crisis.”

Residents in need of emergency food kits, please contact Stacy Proebstle, (732) 341-1000 Ext. 8234 or by email at [email protected]

How can you help? Anyone looking to donate to Fulfill, please visit their website, https://fulfillnj.org/donate/