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Feeding Families, Improving Lives.
Monthly M onthly G Giving iving
...Make It Your Mission There are currently 131,000 people in Monmouth and Ocean Counties battling hunger 365 days a year. A monthly donation of just $30 can provide 1,080 meals for those in need, and can help us and our partner agencies provide food and resources to our community all year round. Meet Bob Hutzel, a volunteer and donor who recently changed to a monthly donation. Here’s why he made the switch: “I decided to become a monthly donor for the FoodBank because I care about its mission, because it’s an essential local charity that needs to survive, for its incredible efficiency, and for its 4-star rating on Charity Navigator. I started making monthly monetary donations after realizing that the FoodBank staff knew best which items were in short supply. A large donation of cereal might need a large purchase of non-perishable milk to distribute with it. I also realized that the FoodBank’s bulk purchasing power could stretch a dollar much further than I could at the grocery store.
Food for Thought April Newsletter 2015
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FOOD & Fund Drives
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FOODBANK 2015 Humanitarian Gala
Recurring donations allow the FoodBank to reliably plan ahead, sustain programs like the Mobile Food Pantry and nutritional education, and keep the warehouse lights on. I donate monthly because, around Thanksgiving, food drives are everywhere you look, but people struggle with hunger all year long. Not knowing when and how I’d find my family’s next meal would frighten me. No one should have to experience prolonged hunger, and bad circumstances could befall any of us. Since I am fortunate enough to have a steady income and, with the need so great right in my own backyard, I feel an obligation to give back. To young donors I would say, small donations make a difference when lots of people each do their part. Give what you comfortably can and help spread the word. Donations to the FoodBank help to sustain hundreds of nearby food pantries and soup kitchens that might not otherwise survive on their own. I volunteer at a small soup kitchen that depends on FoodBank donations. Its staff says that the FoodBank is a pleasure to work with.” When you give to the FoodBank, a total of 96 cents out of every dollar raised supports food and programs. A $1 donation can supply up to 3 meals. For the price of two gourmet coffees, you can feed someone for a week. A dollar a day can go a long way in keeping our communities food secure. For more information, contact Linda Keenan at 732-9182600 x5859 (lkeenan@foodbankmoc.org), or check the box on the next page to get started today.
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PLANT A Row For The Hungry
www.foodbankmoc.org
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADES: The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties made appearances at three St. Patrick’s Day Parades this year: Belmar, Seaside Heights and Rumson. We are always so grateful to our many dedicated volunteers and staff who march, regardless of the weather.
FOOD AND FUND DRIVES NEEDED Spring is here…finally! As we embrace the season of renewal, we ask that you keep in mind that hunger is a year-long problem, not just a problem during the winter months. There are many ways to help this season, and one easy way is to hold a food and fund drive. For every 1.2 pounds of food received at the FoodBank, we can provide 1 meal. And $5.00 will provide 15 meals! Food and fund drives not only support our efforts, they provide year round awareness of hunger in our communities. They can be themed around holidays, celebrations, most-needed food items, and more. For example, 17-year-old John Gallagher of Colts Neck held a peanut butter and beans food drive and attached easy recipes to all of the donations. While many people don’t
think of spring and summer to be full of holidays, there are plenty of events to celebrate and help the hungry:
• Children’s sports events can be turned into food and fund drives, such as can races and competitions.
• Add one more Easter basket to feed a hungry family, or have an Easter egg hunt for canned food to donate to the FoodBank
The possibilities are endless. Think creatively; use social media to promote your campaign, and success will follow!
• Use Spring celebrations of graduations, birthday parties, proms, confirmations and bar/bat mitzvahs to ask for food donations in place of, or in addition to gifts. • Students can use spring break to hold a community food drive and then deliver it to the FoodBank and learn how it is sorted and packed. • Belong to a garden or reading club? Dedicate one meeting to learning about the issue of hunger and ask for food and fund donations.
Please go to our website (www. foodbankmoc.org) to register your project or contact Judy Daniels (jdaniels@foodbankmoc.org) for more information. There are also helpful hints for running food and fund drives as well as a list of most-needed items on our website. Help us in our mission to alleviate hunger and build food security in Monmouth and Ocean Counties by sponsoring a food and fund drive. Let’s work together to support families in need this season.
Consider Becoming a Monthly Donor – Hunger exists all year round
Your gift will help us provide food and other resources for the 131,000 people we serve in your community.
Just think
For every $1.00 donation, we can provide 3 meals.
- For the price of two gourmet coffees, you can feed someone for a week
A $30.00 monthly donation provides 1080 meals A $100.00 monthly donation provides 3600 meals
- For the price of dinner at a restaurant, you can feed someone for a month
You can make a difference!
#40552
YES, you can count on my support to help feed hungry people in Monmouth and Ocean Counties
Here is my monthly gift of:
$100
3600 meals
Please charge my gift on the
1st
$50
1800 meals
$30
1080 meals
My company has a matching gift program.
Other $
CREDIT CARD NUMBER
15th of each month
SECURIT Y #
SIGNATURE NAME
PHONE #
ADDRESS CITY
EMAIL STATE
Please make your check payable to: The FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties 3300 Route 66, Neptune, NJ 07753
YOUR GIFTS CHANGE LIVES!
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EXPIRATION DATE
ZIP
I commit to a one-time gift of $ Please charge my gift on the
1st
. My gift is enclosed. 15th of each month
To charge your gift by phone, please call (732) 918-2600 or Give online at www.foodbankmoc.org Your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. W e will send a receipt for your records.
The 2015 FoodBank Humanitarian Gala “Boots and Bling” Features Country Music Star John Rich
The Gala will take place on April 24, 2015 at the MAC at Monmouth University. Each year the Gala honors individuals and businesses that have gone above and beyond in the fight against hunger in our community. We proudly announce the 2015 Humanitarians: • Jules Plangere Jr. Chairman, Press Communications, LLC • Wegmans • Kyra Citron, Junior Humanitarian • St. Francis Community Center, Agency Partner For more information, or to purchase tickets and sponsorships, call (732) 918-2600 x5860 or visit: www. foodbankmoc.org.
What does it take to become a Humanitarian Honoree? The Humanitarian Award d at the Gala is awarded to those who help to make a difference in our communities by either financial means or donation of their time. We honor them at our Gala because we cannot be successful without devoted
volunteers, partners and donors who don’t just give once - but make us a part of their personal core values and include us in their world. They are our Ambassadors and help us spread the word about alleviating hunger and building food secure communities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. As last year’s Honoree Ken Marowitz, the owner of Frank’s Big and Tall, puts it, “It was quite an honor for our family to be recognized by the FoodBank. We all felt it was really a wonderful tribute to our father who started our relationship with the FoodBank almost 30 years ago. He would have been embarrassed by the attention but proud of being recognized by such a worthwhile organization.
additional funds, use your network to help support the cause. Small steps can add up to leaps and bounds when your heart is in it, and luckily, the FoodBank provides many opportunities to get involved with various programs.
Development Director Linda Keenan On Gala
“This year, the FoodBank is very pleased to honor Humanitarians, who include Jules Plangere Jr., Press Communications LLC; Wegmans; and our Junior Humanitarian Kyra Citron as well as our Agency Partner, St. Francis Community Center in Long Beach Island. The honorees are so important because they demonstrate the value and impact of neighbors helping neighbors. In many respects, the honorees We feel we have a civic duty to demonstrate role model behavior in give back to the communities that helping others in the local community. have supported us. We chose the They are selected because of strong FoodBank because it directly helps commitment to The FoodBank mission our neighbors in need of basic essentials. No one should go hungry and support over many and we cannot imagine the situation years. But most some of our neighbors would be in importantly, without the food and resources that they are chosen the FoodBank provides.” because they are For those thinking about getting involved in an organization, Marcowitz extraordinary individuals or has some advice. “Find something organizations. you have a passion for or hits close to home, then take the first step. Whether it is making a small donation The FoodBank’s goal for the Gala this year is to provide an innovative and or volunteering, attach yourself or fun evening for our guests to celebrate your business to a local cause. You are guaranteed to feel better and can the generosity in the community in make a ssmall difference at the the fight against hunger. Another goal is that we hope to attract more same ti time.” young professionals to come and If you a already are involved, enjoy the evening as well as to learn about what they can do to help The consider stepping FoodBank,” says Keenan. Linda admits it up. Depending on your “status” in that her favorite part of the Gala is when the honorees speak about why life, most people can afford to give they support the FoodBank Many of a little more. Join their messages are about relating to difficult times in their lives or in those a committee, they know, and how they know the think of creative FoodBank can make a difference. ways to raise
www.foodbankmoc.org
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What’s new?.....at the FoodBank
New Culinary Class:
New Board Members:
Welcome to our 42nd group of Students!
Michael Gualario
Dean Q. Lin
Sammy Steinlight
New DEVELOPMENT Staff Members:
Larry Chrisman, Myolcie Pierre, Sandy Penses, Ricky Jackson, Joan Gasper
New Volunteer: Judy Daniels
Ryan Hubler
Lori Sayde
MILESTONE! Barbara Scholz Celebrating 15 years with the FoodBank! Barbara Scholz, Advocacy and Programs Director, began her FoodBank career at the original facility in Spring Lake. “Barbara is so special for many reasons. To me, Barbara epitomizes the FoodBank’s mission, vision, and core values, especially Respect!” – Mary Nolan, Director of Finance and Administration “Barbara’s dedication to the mission of the FoodBank is inspiring. Her hard work behind the scenes helps provide the resources we need to accomplish our goals of alleviating hunger and building food security.” – Laurel King, Agency Relations Manager
Meet Maury Vahle Schmitt “I recently moved here from Florida. My husband is a pilot in the United States Air Force and works for the NJ National Guard. I have worked as a registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer across the U.S. for the past 13 years, and I am currently working for University Radiology Group in NJ as an ultrasound technologist. I enjoy volunteering for different organizations and wanted to become more involved within the community, especially with families in need of nutritional support. I have been with the FoodBank since February 2, 2015. I also volunteer for Special Olympics NJ and American Diabetes Association NJ. Whether you have 1 hour or 20 hours per week to volunteer, your time and effort can make a difference for families who depend on the FoodBank. The best part about volunteering is all the great people you meet. Not only are you helping with a great cause, but you are also making friends along the way. My experience with the FoodBank is very positive and uplifting. The volunteers and staff I have met are very friendly and passionate about what they are doing for local families and the community. I have been surprised by the different levels of support the FoodBank is able to provide the community, with dry goods, fresh produce, their own garden, culinary job skills training, and even free tax prep. I’m already a fan and look forward to doing more.”
www.foodbankmoc.org
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This is the season to PLANT A ROW FOR THE HUNGRY
Launched in 1995 by the Garden Writer’s Association (GWA), Plant a Row for the Hungry (PAR) is a people-helping-people program that encourages gardeners to grow a little extra and donate the produce to local soup kitchens and food pantries serving the homeless and hungry in their local communities. This year, The FoodBank of Monmouth
and Ocean Counties will be participating in PAR and will help local gardeners by facilitating the distribution of donations to our FoodBank Partners so they can enjoy fresh, local produce throughout the growing season. Gardeners who participate will receive a Donor Toolkit that includes information, garden markers and donor receipts that can be used for tax deductions. “We think this is a great initiative to get local gardeners more involved in helping their communities. It’s amazing how much joy some fresh garden vegetables or herbs can do for a family in need. Everyone
should have access to healthy choices and this is a great way for us to expand the reach of our on-site gardens,” says FoodBank Nutritionist, Wendi Silver. For more information about how you can participate, contact Wendi at wsilver@foodbankmoc. org or call 732-643-5876.
Don’t Let Those Earned Income Tax Credits Go
Freehold Raceway Mall, Meridian Resource Center by Macy’s 1st floor Tues & Turs 1- 7pm, Sat 10-3pm
– April 15th Deadline!
Union Beach Borough Hall, 650 Poole Ave., Fridays 2-7pm
few years. He knew he needed help and decided to take advantage of our free resources so he could begin to build back his financial health. The Earned Income Tax Credit and free tax preparation offered by the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, allowed Vince to catch up on bills so he could begin to heal his family and plan for their future. “The VITA program at the FoodBank is not a hand-out, it’s a hand-UP,” proclaimed Vince. “I received not only tax prep help but compassion and understanding and that’s a wonderful thing.”
Learn how to let your garden be a source of nutrition for community pantries and soup kitchens
Did you know that working families with annual incomes under $53,267 may qualify to get up to $6,100 as a credit or refund on their 2014 taxes? It’s called EITC or the Earned Income Tax Credit. You can get EITC even if you don’t owe taxes. But you must file a tax return to claim the benefits you earned. You can also file your own taxes online for FREE at www.MyFreeTaxes.com if you earn $60,000 or less. It has helpful tools such as calculators, error checkers, online chats, plus a free help line (English/ Spanish). The FoodBank offers FREE personalized tax preparation by trained certified tax professionals for: • households with children earning $53,267 or less, or • households without dependents earning $30,000 or less Tax Professionals are still at these sites until April 15, 2015: Monmouth Mall, SCAN Mon, Wed, Thu 1-7pm, Sat 10-3pm(downstairs from food court, opposite Mall Management) Red Bank Resource Network, 103 Shrewsbury Ave, Fridays 10-4pm
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Ocean County Mall, Tues, Thurs, Fri 1-7pm, Sat 10-3pm at Ocean County Connections, by JC Penney Ocean County Libraries: Toms River Branch, 101 Washington St., Tues - Fri 1-7pm, Sat 10-3pm • Lacey Branch, 10 E. Lacey Rd., Tuesdays 1-7pm • Lakewood Branch, 301 Lexington Ave., Wednesdays 1-7pm Lakewood Zichron Schneur, 282 Oak Knoll Rd., Mondays Brick, Visitation Relief, 725 Mantoloking Rd., Thurs. 2-6pm (drop-offs only) To make an appointment, call (732) 643-5888.
Spotlight on an EITC Client
So many people, like Vince, are just one bad break away from losing what they worked so hard to gain. But programs like VITA are there as a resource - to get families back on a path to financial health and employment. For more information on VITA, visit www. foodbankmoc.org or call 732-918-2600.
Vincent Palumbo gave a heartfelt talk at our event on Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day, with an inside view of what it’s like to find yourself in difficult circumstances that are beyond your control. His story began as a working class success story. He earned a college degree, had a nice home, a good paying job, and a stable family with a wife and two children. Vince never imagined that he would lose his job, then his house, and then have to overcome the death of his wife over the course of just a
Vincent Palumbo, EITC client, Carlos Rodriguez, Executive Director FBMOC, NJ Senator Jennifer Beck, Pat Bohse, Executive Director of SCAN, and Monmouth County Freeholder John Curley.
The theme of our newsletter is “Spring Into Action,” and I couldn’t agree more. As the FoodBank approaches the last quarter of our fiscal year, we are on track to provide more meals than we did last year, and that means the number of hungry families in Monmouth and Ocean Counties continues to grow. Hunger is no longer an urban dilemma. It has become a suburban chronic
the only way we can continue to serve our neighbors is to raise awareness and become advocates in our mission to address the issue of the hunger crisis in New Jersey. Advocacy works – had we not banded together to support food donation tax deduction legislation in Congress, we may not be receiving the tax deductible donations that are
to your personal and professional networks. Sign up to receive newsletters from the FoodBank (www. foodbankmoc.org) or visit Feeding America (www.feedingamerica.com), New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition (www.njahc.org), or the JBJ Soul Foundation (www.jbjsoulfoundation. org) and begin telling the stories of hunger in our neighborhoods.
Message from the Executive Director condition. We all know families and individuals who have been displaced by Sandy or have lost a job or a home, and are struggling. There are 1 in 10 people in need of food and resources in our community, including children, seniors, veterans, disabled people, the working poor and the unemployed. This is a time for us to take action. The importance of advocacy has never been so clear and because the demand for food assistance is up throughout the state,
coming to us today. It is important that we protect Food Stamps, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from further cuts, and continue to offer additional resources like tax and healthcare support, job training programs and nutritional guidance that gets people the food and help they require during tough times. Hunger is not political. In fact, there are many ways we can work together to make a difference. Let’s start by thinking about how we can generate awareness about hunger and food insecurity. You can get involved by sharing the facts
So I thank you for supporting the FoodBank and encourage you to spring into action – advocate, donate, volunteer, participate and keep working toward solutions so we can feed the lines and work toward shortening them at the same time. Tell us how we can help.
Carlos M. Rodriguez Executive Director
This newsletter printed on 50% recycled fibers with soy inks
Carlos M. Rodriguez Executive Director Leslie L. Barlow Wayne Boatwright Drew Eitner Rhonda M. Figueroa Michael Gualario Joe Leone Introna Jeseph J. Lebel, III Dean Q. Lin Bill Mayo Jim Murphy Sammy Steinlight David Wintrode Charles T. Woolston April Yezzi Don Norkus, Chairman David Offenberg, Vice Chair Glenn Bellomy, Secretary Lauren Holman, Treasurer
Board of Trustees April, 2015
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