Middlesex County Calls on the Community to Take Action Against Hunger During Hunger Action Month

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MIDDLESEX COUNTY , NJ - Middlesex County supports Hunger Action Month this September by encouraging residents, businesses, community organizations, and volunteers to take action against food insecurity through REPLENISH, the County's food bank. Throughout the month, REPLENISH will host and participate in events, food drives, educational initiatives, and interactive opportunities designed to raise awareness and strengthen food security across the County. To ensure everyday counts, check out REPLENISH's Hunger Action Month Calendar for easy, impactful ways to help.

REPLENISH works year-round to combat hunger, supporting dedicated partners across all 25 municipalities and distributing millions of pounds of food annually to ensure residents have access to nutritious food. With more than 106,000 Middlesex County residents experiencing food insecurity, Hunger Action Month offers an opportunity for the community to come together in support of REPLENISH's mission.

Community partnerships are already helping strengthen REPLENISH's work. Two grants have been received to advance REPLENISH's efforts to address food security through Feeding Middlesex County, their nonprofit partner. The FirstEnergy Foundation awarded a $75,000 grant to support REPLENISH's mission, while Bristol Myers Squibb donated $60,000 to purchase turkeys and chickens for Thanksgiving and will provide volunteers to assist REPLENISH with the distribution. These contributions demonstrate how partnerships across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors can help expand access to food for Middlesex County residents.

"Hunger Action Month is a time for our community to step up and help residents in need," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. "I encourage everyone to support REPLENISH this month by volunteering or donating. Whether it is giving your time, donating food, or helping spread the word about available resources, every action can make a difference and help make food accessible to residents in our communities."

"Food insecurity exists in our community, even when it's not visible," said Middlesex County Commissioner Claribel Azcona-Barber, Chair of the Community Services Committee. "This month, be a voice by sharing local resources, including our Healthy Food Access Map, to help connect someone with the assistance they may need. By increasing awareness and making sure people know where to turn for help, we can strengthen the network of support available to our neighbors."

"REPLENISH works year-round to make sure food reaches the residents and organizations that need it most," said REPLENISH Director Jennifer Apostal. "Hunger Action Month gives us an opportunity to shine a light on that work and remind our community that everyone has a role to play in building a stronger, more food-secure Middlesex County. Thanks to our staff, volunteers, and community partners, we've been able to increase our food distribution, connect residents with resources, and reduce the stigma surrounding food insecurity. Hunger can affect anyone, so it's crucial we come together to reach more people and make a lasting impact."

HUNGER ACTION MONTH EVENTS

• Sunday, September 6 | 4-6 pm

  Music in the Park: Annual Labor Day Weekend Concert - Held at Roosevelt Park in Edison, this event features an evening of music by Shadows of the '60s: A Tribute to Motown's Super Groups. REPLENISH and Feeding Middlesex County will also collect food and monetary donations to support residents in need. Click here for more information.

• Wednesday, September 23 | 10 am-1 pm

  Senior Health and Fitness Walk - Held at Roosevelt Park, this event promotes senior wellness while REPLENISH collects food donations to support older residents in need. Click here for more information and to register.

• Thursday, September 24 | 6-8 pm

  Hunger Heroes Cocktail Reception -Hosted by Feeding Middlesex County in partnership with REPLENISH at the Pines Manor in Edison, the event honors individuals and organizations making a difference in the fight against hunger.Click here for more information.

• Saturday, September 26 | 10 am-2 pm

REPLENISH Feeding Our Families Food Drive - REPLENISH will collect high-need non-perishable foods and basic supplies at Stop & Shop locations in East Brunswick and Monroe Township.

• LOOKING AHEAD: Residents can also sign up for the fourth annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, hosted by REPLENISH and Feeding Middlesex County on Thursday, November 26, from 8-10:30 am at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park. To register and for more information, click here.

PARTICIPATE YEAR-ROUND TO HELP ACHIEVE FOOD SECURITY

While Hunger Action Month provides a special opportunity to take action, REPLENISH offers ways for residents, businesses, and community organizations to support hunger-relief efforts throughout the year. Community members can help by:

• Donate to REPLENISH: Donate food, including non-perishable items and perishable items like meat, dairy, and produce, as well as basic supplies to the REPLENISH facility in East Brunswick during operating hours of 6 am-1 pm. Call 732-729-0880 for more information.
• Host a Food Drive: Businesses, organizations, clubs, and community groups are encouraged to organize food drives to help keep local food pantries stocked year-round. Call 732-729-0880 for more information.
• Make a monetary donation: Monetary donations are accepted as checks payable to "Feeding Middlesex County." Checks may be mailed to PO Box 781, Edison, NJ 08818, or donations can be made online at www.feedingmiddlesexcounty.org.
• Volunteer with REPLENISH: Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals, groups, and organizations on-site at the REPLENISH distribution center, through food drives, community events, and independent volunteer activities.

From hosting a food drive to learning how to connect residents with available resources, REPLENISH provides guides, tips, and educational resources to help community members take action.

For residents in need of food assistance, the Middlesex County Healthy Food Access Map provides a comprehensive list of food pantries, farmers' markets, and transportation routes to help residents access food resources. Visit middlesexcountynj.gov/healthyfoodsmap to learn more.

To learn more about REPLENISH and how to get involved, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/replenish.

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