Middlesex County is once again dedicating the month of September to addressing food insecurity through its food distribution program, REPLENISH, as part of Hunger Action Month. The county is mobilizing a series of events and initiatives under its “31 Ways in 31 Days” campaign to encourage residents to take action.
Despite being a cornerstone in the county’s fight against hunger for years, REPLENISH continues to face a significant challenge: nearly 90,000 Middlesex County residents, including 20,000 children, are food insecure. The new campaign offers daily opportunities for residents to contribute, whether through donating, volunteering, or participating in educational events.
To bolster its operations, REPLENISH has recently completed a critical infrastructure upgrade. Thanks to an $81,304 Network Investment Grant from the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) and support from Feeding Middlesex County, the program has doubled its refrigeration capacity from 20 to 40 pallets and expanded freezer storage. This enhancement will allow REPLENISH to more efficiently organize, preserve, and distribute fresh, nutritious food to families in need.
“Hunger Action Month is not just about awareness — it’s about action,” Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald Rios said. “Whether it’s donating food, volunteering your time, or advocating for stronger policies, every effort brings us closer to a future where no one has to worry about their next meal.”
Several events are planned throughout September to engage the community, including:
- Dine Below the Line (September 9): A community cooking competition in Perth Amboy that teaches how to prepare healthy, budget-friendly meals.
- Feed Our Families Food Drive (September 13): A food collection event at Stop & Shop locations in East Brunswick and Monroe Township.
- HSAC Policy Summit: Food Insecurity (September 22): A summit in Piscataway where state leaders and policy experts will discuss strategies to combat food insecurity.
- The Senior Health and Fitness Walk (September 24): An event at Roosevelt Park in Edison that promotes senior wellness while collecting food donations.
- Hunger Heroes Cocktail Reception (September 25): An event hosted by Feeding Middlesex County to honor key individuals and organizations making a difference in the fight against hunger.
Beyond Hunger Action Month, residents can continue to support REPLENISH by donating food, making monetary contributions to Feeding Middlesex County, or volunteering their time.
