JERSEY SHORE – The Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, redubbed Fulfill several years ago, is coming on 40 years of activism in the community.
Fulfill takes a lot of steps in helping secure food and end hunger in this part of New Jersey, including running food pantries, soup kitchens and many other programs. Millions of meals have been provided to those in need through the help of Fulfill.
“The charitable food distribution network provides a really important, vital service. Food’s a survival need. Something you cannot go without. If you believe that people shouldn’t be hungry, food banks have a really important role to play,” said Triada Stampas, president and CEO of Fulfill.
Stampas, whose original interest in food drives peaked from a background in public policy, has worked with three different food banks in the tri-state area. Prior to working with Fulfill, she spent 10 years with the food bank of New York City.
Fulfill has two main locations across Monmouth and Ocean county, residing in Neptune and Toms River. Neptune is the organization’s main facility, while expansion to Toms River helps cover more ground following Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Fulfill is hosting two events: a gala as well as a community day that are open to the public.
“What we really want to do is bring old friends together, bring in new friends, and really open our doors to the community,” Stampas said.
Fulfill’s Gala will be held as a fundraiser on Thursday, September 26. The goal for the gala is to honor the community officials who have contributed to Fulfill’s personal mission, including people like New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy, first lady Tammy Murphy, the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and others.
Awards will also be presented to these groups. The cocktail-attire event, hosted by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television journalist Jack Ford, has tickets available for $350, or attendees under the age of 30 for $200.
“We’re honoring the legacy and the champions who have made a difference over our 40 years, but we’re also looking ahead with [this fundraiser],” Stampas said. “We’re looking at what’s needed now and what’s needed moving forward in order to be able to execute our mission in the way that makes sense today and in the way that can make an impact today for the folks who need us.”
Along with the Gala tickets, donations to the organization will help Fulfill continue to expand and help those in need.
For more information about upcoming events or donation properties, visit Fulfill’s official website, fulfillnj.org.
“Fulfill is not just a foodbank; it is a testament to the power of collective action against hunger, a beacon of hope for the community it serves,” the website reads.
