In the run-up to their Thanksgiving break, some Monmouth University football players were getting set for their matchup this weekend against Gardner-Web University in North Carolina.
But first, they had to take care of some other business on Thursday: Helping to get food to the needy by assisting with the unloading of 2,000 turkeys donated to the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
As New Jerseyans continue to struggle in a lagging state economy, the FoodBank is relying on volunteers like the members of the football team to help manage the influx of donations to meet the demand for those who need it.
“We’re on a longer road to recovery than the rest of the country,” said Carlos Rodriguez, executive director of the FoodBank. “We see that in our long lines.”
Hunger relief advocates call it food insecurity – people living so close to the edge of poverty that even the smallest financial strain on their household budget can mean the difference between having enough money or not for food.
N.J. lost 5,600 jobs in October, unemployment falls to 5.2%
N.J. lost 5,600 jobs in October, unemployment falls to 5.2%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics revised up its estimated job gains for September.
Rodriguez said that despite economic improvements across the country, New Jersey hasn’t experienced that recovery yet, as evidenced by the number of residents receiving food assistance.
Located in Neptune and with a satellite site in Toms River, the FoodBank looks to provide enough food for 12 million meals this year, double what it provided just six years ago, he said.
The number of recipients still hasn’t dropped since the recession, he said. Since 2008, the FoodBank has continued to serve about 131,000 people – or 10 percent of the population in Monmouth and Ocean counties, he said.
It’s not just the unemployed who need help through the FoodBank and the 300 programs it provides in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Rodriguez said more than 60 percent of the families receiving assistance through his organization have at least one person working, but it’s usually a part-time job that doesn’t pay enough to make ends meet.
To help ease that pressure, the Stop & Shop grocery store chain donated 2,000 turkeys to the FoodBank as part of its Turkey Express program, which delivers nearly 21,000 turkeys to hunger relief organizations in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island this holiday season.
“One of our promises is to be a better neighbor,” said Carlos Ramos, Stop & Shop district director. “We look to be not only a supermarket but (also) a partner with the community.”
Monmouth University football coach Kevin Callahan said community outreach and service is important to the school’s football program.
“Our players understand the importance of giving back to the community,” Callahan said. “As college student-athletes, they have a lot of benefits. This is just a way to help others who maybe aren’t quite as fortunate as they are.
The 20 football players and three coaches are part of the growing number of FoodBank volunteers, which helps the agency keep its costs low, Rodriguez said. He said volunteers racked up 28,000 hours this year, compared to nearly 20,000 hours a few years ago. That need is just as strong year round, he said.
After putting in their time at the FoodBank, the football players headed back to school for classes before getting on a plane Friday morning for North Carolina. They’ll go knowing they’ve helped families have a Thanksgiving dinner.
“It’s very important to give back to the community,” said lineman Christian Runza. “It’s always great to give back to the less fortunate and make sure that everyone has the proper Thanksgiving.”
Source: http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2016/11/monmouth_u_football_players_challenge_hunger_at_th.html
MaryAnn Spoto may be reached at mspoto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @MaryAnnSpoto. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
