Lunch Break's Third Annual Foodstock Food Drive

               On Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lunch Break, a Red Bank soup kitchen, and much more, is holding their third annual Foodstock—a community food drive—at the Red Bank Middle School at 101 Harding Road.  The goal this year is to collect an ambitious 50,000 pounds of non-perishable food.  Your donation, no matter the size, will help Lunch Break fight hunger. The community needs Lunch Break, and Lunch Break needs you.

               Lunch Break is the first line of defense for thousands of residents of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, and beyond, and serves ever more people each year.  In 2013 more than 750 families depended on Lunch Break each and every month for emergency groceries. That amounted to nearly 400,000 pounds of food.  This means there is a constant need for food to stock the pantry shelves.  Summer is especially difficult with schools closed and many people on vacation.  But, hunger doesn’t close for the summer or go on vacation and summer is traditionally a difficult time of the year to collect donations. 

               For 31 years Lunch Break has provided, free of charge,  life’s basic necessities for community members in need, including food, clothing and fellowship   What began in 1983, in the basement of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, where hot lunches were served, was eventually expanded in 1985 to include distribution of groceries.  All of this is accomplished under the direction of the Board of Trustees along with Executive Director, Gwendolyn Love, her staff, the very generous support of individuals and organizations in the surrounding communities, and the willing hands and hearts of more than 2000 volunteers.

               The May 17 Foodstock event will include music by the Red Bank Middle School Band, Rockit, and Ardvark Smile, room to dance, food and beverages.  The YMCA of Red Bank will have adult and kid’s activities for all. Volunteers will be on hand to weigh the donated food.  So, plan to spend some time at the event and get to know more about Lunch Break and meet their committed Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers.

               Donations can be delivered to Lunch Break prior to and after the May 17 event, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturday from 9  a.m. to Noon at the back door of 121 Drs. Parker Blvd in Red Bank.  If you have more than 300 pounds of food (or even too much for you to physically handle), please call in advance (732-747-8577 ext 3106).  Lunch Break will arrange to have volunteers available to help unload your vehicle.

               Please stop by the Red Bank Middle School on the 17th of May and learn more about Lunch Break.  Have fun and be a part of a great cause!  If you would like more information, visit the Lunch Break website at www.lunchbreak.org, or e-mail shaugenes@lunchbreak.org, or pvanderven@lunchbreak.org, or call Lunch Break at 732-747-8577 ext. 3106.  To find out more about the more than 15 services offered by Lunch Break, visit www.lunchbreak.org.  Lunch Break can also be found on Facebook and followed on Twitter.