LAKEWOOD – The Food Angels returned to Lakewood Town Square on December 16, greeted by a crowd eager for their warmth, compassion, and hot meals. The team served a hearty beef barley casserole, the dish originally planned for their canceled December 1 visit, alongside their usual spread of food, clothing, and other essential items. For many in need, it was a moment of relief and celebration.
The return marked the end of a frustrating hiatus caused by a dispute with Lakewood Township that temporarily disrupted the work of Food Angels and other charitable groups, including Destiny’s Bridge, Spirit of Truth World Vision Outreach, and Lifting the Fallen Ministries. The groups had faced restrictions on their efforts to feed and clothe the unhoused on public property, sparking legal action that ultimately reaffirmed their rights to free speech, public assembly, and charitable ministry.
Suzy Raabe, who co-founded Food Angels, first had an inkling that something was wrong on November 17 when the Food Angels were busy serving food and giving out clothes.
“A police officer came up to me and asked if I had a permit,” said Raabe. “We’ve been doing this for years and never had a problem.”
Raabe subsequently spoke to Minister Steve Brigham of Destiny’s Bridge, a veteran advocate for the unhoused. The homeless encampment he led in Toms River had just been shut down with placements arranged for those who would otherwise still be unhoused.
“Minister Steve told me he’d planned to go to the Square to make distributions on one of his regular Wednesdays,” Raabe shared. “Someone called and said the police were waiting for him.”
Raabe asked a police officer what would happen if the Food Angels showed up on December 1 as their next scheduled date. She was informed that they’d be asked to leave.
The whole thing didn’t seem right. Brigham promptly contacted Jeff Wild of Lowenstein & Sandler, the same attorney who’d helped the unhoused from the encampment. Wild consulted with the five charities that were helping those in need and intervened with the local government. Wild and constitutional rights lawyer Kathryn Daniel of the same law firm argued that Lakewood Township had “already engaged in multiple, flagrant violations of their Constitutional and other rights to free speech, to public assembly, and to minister to the poor.”
The firm’s efforts led to an agreement with the township, clarifying that police would not interfere with charitable activities on public land. “It was unconscionable for Lakewood to block at least five charities represented by this firm, charities from feeding those who are hungry, and providing clothing to the cold – particularly now, in the midst of the holidays with winter almost here,” said Wild. “We are glad that Lakewood is now respecting the rights of charities – and anyone – to help the poor, to free speech, and to free assembly on public land.”
Township Attorney Steve Secare wrote in an email to Wild that Lakewood Township wanted to ensure the underprivileged are cared for and accommodated to the best of the Township’s ability. The note said that the mayor and township manager just wanted to ensure that order is maintained and people are helped.
The agreement does not prevent Lakewood Police from enforcing existing criminal laws or from ensuring public safety is protected. Rather than require permits, groups like the Food Angels just need to give the town notice when they intend to provide assistance in Town Square.
Raabe said she was quite grateful for Wild’s intervention. The delay was frustrating for the Food Angels team, knowing how many depended on their bi-weekly visits.
“It was especially cold, and I knew people were walking around without coats that we were ready to give them,” Raabe said. “And I worried about what they were eating. Even though we’re only there every two weeks, at least I know we give them a good meal that day. I also have a relationship with many of these people. It was hard not to be there for them.”
Back on a regular two-week schedule, Raabe is hopeful that more people will contribute to the cause or join the dedicated team of volunteers who help make a difference. Donations can be sent to Suzanne Raabe via Venmo (last four digits: 9750) or by check, made payable to Suzanne Raabe and mailed to 461 Aurora Drive, Brick, NJ 08723. Physical donations, such as clothing, coats, and blankets, are also welcome and can be dropped off at the same address.
