The Monmouth Worship Center Food Pantry in Marlboro recently received funds from Fulfill, the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, to purchase a new freezer to hold the enormous amount of frozen food it receives.
The chest freezer will increase the Worship Center’s capacity to store frozen food by approximately 30%.
Fulfill has awarded more than $66,000 in 37 capacity grants since July 2024.
“This is so wonderful. You have no idea,” a grateful volunteer of the community said.
Monmouth Worship Center Food Pantry is among over 300 Fulfill partners in Monmouth and Ocean counties, 28 of which have been awarded grants from Fulfill thus far in Fiscal Year 2025 (July 2024-June 2025).
“Most of us have no idea about how much work goes into the work pantries and soup kitchens do behind the scenes,” The Rev. Rosemarie Broderick, executive director, Center for Community Renewal and Clergy-in-Charge at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Keansburg, said.
Broderick is also chair of the APAC (Agency Partner Advisory Committee) committee, which determines which capacity grants can be awards, as well as member of Fulfill’s Board of Trustees.
“To store and distribute fresh, nutritious food they need functioning freezers, refrigerators, water dispensers and more. They might need anything from utensils to tables, ceiling fans to wheelchairs, and shelves to shopping carts to provide their core services to those in need,” she said.
The capacity grants allow Fulfill’s network of pantry partners to request funds from the Food Bank to improve their facilities to serve neighbors in need. Freezers and refrigerators are the most commonly requested item Fulfill’s team has addressed. Fulfill offers these grants as a part of its mission to ensure a strong network of partners where those experiencing hunger can access healthy, nutritious foods.
“We can now keep a richer variety of meats, vegetables and fruits fresher and longer for those in need,” Carmelita Froome, Worship Center volunteer said. “We can better streamline distribution and meal planning. Another benefit is that we can offer these nutritious, protein- and nutrient-rich foods to all of our patrons, rather than only to those who are first to arrive on distribution days.”
“Our Capacity Grant Program is one of many innovative ways we address hunger in our community,” Broderick said. “We proudly fuel inventive ways to help the increasing number of our neighbors who are food insecure. We are grateful for the donations from individuals and organizations that make these efforts possible.”
Fulfill encourages organizations seeking assistance through its Capacity Grant Program to contact the Network Engagement Team (NET) at 732-918-2600 or email [email protected].
To make a donation to support Fulfill and its programs, click here.
