TOMS RIVER – The good news is that Toms River and Fulfill will be trying to make free food pick-ups happen every week. The bad news is that there is a need for it.
There was already a free food giveaway last weekend which officials said was very successful. Another is planned from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 17 at the following locations:
- East Dover Elementary School, 725 Vaughn Avenue (Includes families from Cedar Grove, Washington Street, High School East, Intermediate East and East Dover)
- Joseph A. Citta Elementary School, 2050 Lakewood Road (Includes families from North Dover, Silver Bay, Intermediate North, High School North)
- South Toms River Elementary School, 419 Dover Road (Pine Beach, Beachwood, Intermediate South and South Toms River)
- Walnut Street Elementary School, 60 Walnut Street (West Dover, Hooper Avenue, High School South)
- Third Avenue Parking Lot, Ortley Beach (anyone on the barrier island)
The food kits, which are free to families, provide multiple days of groceries to residents struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic. No registration or sign-ups are required. Food kits will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
“Our hope is to be able to continue providing food to families every week who are struggling right now We hope that this will help them during their time of need,” Mayor Maurice B. Hill said.
To limit social 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.
“We received an overwhelming response during our first food kit distribution last week,” 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 “Toms River is standing by ready to help. Please stay safe and do not hesitate to reach out if we can be of assistance.”
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. I would also like to thank our Police Department for their assistance in providing traffic control and for helping deliver meals to homebound residents. It is the spirt of community that will help bring us some stability during this health crisis.”
If anyone is able to help donate, visit fulfillnj.org/donate/
