As families across New Jersey navigate climbing grocery costs and economic pressures, food security network Fulfill has received a major financial boost. The organization announced a $250,000 grant from the FirstEnergy Foundation—marking the single largest Hunger Action Month award granted in the state.
The funding is part of a broader statewide initiative by the FirstEnergy Foundation, which distributed $1.3 million across 25 New Jersey hunger-relief organizations to provide nearly 4 million meals during September’s Hunger Action Month observance.
According to Feeding America data cited by Fulfill, more than 130,000 individuals—including nearly 40,000 children—experienced food insecurity across Monmouth and Ocean counties. Compounding the crisis, local food prices have risen 3.3% over the past year, while recent cuts to federal SNAP benefits have added strain to household budgets.
Today, Fulfill provides food and crucial resources to more than 150,000 neighbors every month through a network of nearly 300 partner agencies, which include local soup kitchens, food pantries, and shelters.
“Across Monmouth and Ocean Counties, more than 150,000 of our neighbors rely on Fulfill for food each month,” Triada Stampas, president and CEO of Fulfill said. “This generous investment from FirstEnergy Foundation will provide access to nutritious food and critical resources at a time when so many people need it.”
The $250,000 award will directly support Fulfill’s signature hunger-relief operations, including its Pop-The-Trunk mobile distributions, which bring fresh food directly to communities in need. Additionally, the funding will back resource connection programs designed to help families secure long-term self-sufficiency and stability, such as SNAP enrollment assistance and culinary workforce training.
Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy New Jersey state president—representing Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), which serves 1.2 million customers across 13 counties including Monmouth and Ocean—emphasized the importance of local partnership:
“For more than 40 years, Fulfill has been a trusted resource for families across Monmouth and Ocean counties, helping meet immediate needs while connecting people with resources that support long-term stability. The FirstEnergy Foundation is proud to support an organization that continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors every day,” Mokoid said.
