Fulfill is taking a major leap forward in the fight against food insecurity by donating five new refrigerated 2024 Ford Transit vans to local food pantries. This strategic move is designed to strengthen “food rescue” efforts, allowing local partners to collect and distribute fresh, high-quality perishables that would otherwise go to waste.
Funded through the Feeding America Retail Capacity Building Grant, these vehicles create a direct logistics link between grocery retailers and the shelves of local pantries.
The five recipients were selected based on their proximity to major grocery retailers and their capacity to manage frequent, large-scale pickups. By providing temperature-controlled transportation, Fulfill ensures that meats, produce, and dairy arrive safely to those in need.
The 2025 Van Recipients:
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Bradley Food Pantry – Neptune City
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Our Lady of Guadalupe – Lakewood
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The Hope Center – Toms River
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Starve Poverty – Barnegat
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Seeds of Service – Brick
“This is not just the awarding of a vehicle, but also of a donor relationship that will provide a critical lifeline for our partners,” Triada Stampas, president & CEO of Fulfill said. “These vans turn surplus into nourishing meals and help ensure our neighbors don’t have to face hunger alone.”
Fulfill’s decision to expand its fleet follows a highly successful pilot round in early 2024. The data from the initial five recipients shows a dramatic increase in food recovery efficiency compared to the national average.
Impact by the Numbers:
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1.3 million: The number of meals Fulfill and its partners provide monthly.
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130,000: Residents in Monmouth and Ocean Counties currently relying on the pantry network.
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55,000 lbs.: The projected increase in donated food for the 2024 cohort compared to 2023 levels.
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2x: The increase in demand for food assistance over the last five years due to rising costs.
The “Retail Pick-up” model benefits everyone involved. Retailers reduce their waste disposal costs and environmental footprint, while pantries gain access to expensive protein and fresh items that are often difficult to source through traditional donations.
Geralyn Fraggetta-Drury, executive director of Freehold Area Open Door (a previous recipient), noted the transformation: “We no longer have to turn away food. We finally have the means to transport it, allowing us to better serve our neighbors.”
Since 2013, Fulfill has consistently invested in the infrastructure of its partners, a strategy that began during the recovery from Superstorm Sandy. As food costs continue to impact New Jersey families, Fulfill remains committed to building a resilient, self-sufficient network.
