The Foodbank Of Monmouth And Ocean Counties celebrates its 30th Anniversary by hosting a free Community Open House next week. Visitors will get to see what it takes to distribute food to over 130,000 residents in the bi-county region.

FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties
FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties in Neptune (FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties)
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Executive Director Carlos Rodriguez explains what struck him most about the Foodbank when he took on the post.

"I think the collaborative spirit of both the team members, our partners and other stake holders, really struck me. I mean, we are really in a community here in Monmouth and Ocean where we are willing to come to the table and work on solving problems," said Rodriguez.

Speaking of problem solving, the Foodbank also provides a wide and diverse range of programs like culinary career training, tax preparation, health exchange enrollment assistance, SNAP (food stamp) outreach and nutrition education. Rodriguez said they continue to come up with new programs by listening to the needs of the people they serve.

"And then work to try to create a capacity, not only for us but for our program partners, the 300 charities we work with, not only to get them food but also to get other services where they're needed as well."

Rodriquez said when visitors come to the Community Open House, they may be surprised about the sheer size of the Foodbank's facility. "And how much food we need to have on hand just to meet the growing need. We're providing enough food and resources for more than 10 million meals a year."

The Community Open House takes place Thursday, October 2nd, from 12:30 to 4:30. They're asking visitors to bring a nonperishable food item with them. For more information about the Foodbank visit foodbankmoc.org or call (732) 918-2600

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