Ssi/ssdi Outreach Access And Recovery Program
The SSI/SSDI Outreach Access and Recovery, or SOAR, program aims to increase access to Social Security benefits for Mercer County seniors with substance use and/or mental health diagnoses who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. SOAR case managers are specially trained to effectively complete and submit SSI/SSDI applications on behalf of elderly clients in need.
Mercer County: 132 N. Warren Street, Trenton NJ 08608 609-394-8847 x2532
Our Diversity & Inclusion Values
At Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, we are committed to sharing values of diversity and inclusion in order to achieve and sustain excellence. We firmly believe that we can best promote excellence by recruiting and retaining a diverse group of employees, volunteers, and Board members and by creating a climate of respect that supports their success. An environment that values diversity, inclusion, and excellence is critical to attaining the goal of becoming a Provider of Choice.
Food Banks In Toms River Nj
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Food Banks In Ocean County Provide Help To Those In Need How To Get Assistance Become A Volunteer Or Make A Donation
Those who are food insecure in New Jersey can get help from local and statewide food banks. The need for assistance has increased greatly since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Here is a list of nonprofits and agencies that offer food assistance as a primary service in Ocean County. A list of statewide agencies follows. These organizations are also in need of volunteers and donations here are ways to volunteer and make donations.
To add a nonprofit organization or agency to the guide, email .
New This Year Online Ordering

Helping Hands is excited to introduce our new software program PantrySoft! This program will give students the ability to order food online from home and pick up their order the next time they are on campus.
To create an account on PantrySoft, go to:
Need help creating an account? Stop by the pantry and staff members will be happy to assist!
Read Also: St Mary’s Food Bank Alliance
St Josephs Church Breaks Ground On Food Pantry
More Than 17K Served Through Church Basement
TOMS RIVER There were 17,223 people served by the St. Josephs food pantry last year.
Now, imagine serving that number out of a converted basement.
That was why staff at St. Josephs mounted a fundraising campaign to create a standalone building that would serve as a pantry. They tore down an old garage, and will likely have the new building up and running in six to eight months, said Rosemary Goebel, the social concerns coordinator for the group.
For 13 years weve been in the basement. Six months is nothing, she joked.
Unfortunately, the need for the building is that great. After Superstorm Sandy, the church saw the needs for service rise to almost 19,000 people, she said.
It has dropped off slightly, she said. A lot of those people are back into homes and able to help themselves.
However, there are still thousands who still need help. Of the 17,223 that were served last year, 5,346 were children.
Its quite an eye-opener, she said.
They record their numbers based on what people are asking for, she explained. When people come in, they tell staff how many people are in their household, and they are given a number of bags that corresponds to that. Once per year, the clients are required to provide identification for the people they are claiming.
The Holy Spirit is always shining on us, she said. Whenever we need something, someone always walks in with it.
What Is The Difference Between A Food Bank And A Food Pantry
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
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Hunger Poverty And Covid
Hunger in the U.S. and around the world is caused by various interconnected social and economic factors. Our world is increasingly complex and divided. Inflation, war, the COVID pandemic, and climate change are impacting food insecurity around the globe and across the US. We realize that one web page can hardly do justice to all the facts and thoughts on this matter. Our main goal with this page is to provide a brief overview of up-to-date hunger facts in an attempt to educate the public about the root causes of hunger and poverty, its realities across the globe and the impact of COVID-19.
Looking at the communities that have been hit hardest by both the coronavirus, climate crises, economic injustice, structural racism, health injustice and hunger, its important to recognize that food insecurity does not affect everyone the same way. BIPOC communities, women and children have faced the consequences of the pandemic and of food insecurity at higher rates than other communities.
Given our technological capacity, we know that we can produce enough food to feed every person on earth1. So why is there still hunger and what can we do about it? The root causes of hunger are due to the systems, policies and institutions that benefit multinational corporations and wealthy nations, while leaving millions of people without access to food, land, water and sustainable livelihoods. Our global food system is structured to value profits over people and the planet.
The Food Pantry Will Be Have Special Hours To Assist Goverment Employees Who Are Going Without Pay During The Shutdown
TOMS RIVER, NJ As the government shutdown officially enters the longest stretch in U.S. history, organizations are stepping up to help those who are faced with financial stresses as a result.
The People’s Pantry food bank in Toms River will have hours on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to assist government employees who are not receiving paychecks as long as needed, the pantry said.
“We want everyone who has been impacted to know that we are here to help,” the pantry said in post on Facebook. “The money normally spent in the supermarket can be saved by these wonderful workers and in turn can be but to better use in their budgets.”
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Find Out Whats Happening In Toms Riverwith Free Real
Its a reflection of the dire circumstances faced by so many families in the midst of the crisis surrounding the outbreak of the new coronavirus: thousands of people suddenly laid off, and five weeks into New Jerseys stay-at-home order, finding themselves needing to feed their families, and with no income to accomplish that.
Dont miss local and New Jersey announcements about coronavirus precautions.
Free Food Pantries And Groceries In Ocean County New Jersey
Emergency food is offered to struggling and low-income families in Ocean County. Find where to get groceries, household supplies and personal hygiene items from food pantries, churches, and charities. Find information, addresses, and phone numbers of the primary free food banks, soup kitchens, pantries near you, and places to contact for assistance in the region, many of which are open today. There is also a toll free number at the bottom of the page for more referrals to Ocean County programs.
Many individuals need to choose between paying energy bills, providing groceries for their families, or paying their rent. These Ocean County free food pantries can help people make it through a difficult period or hardship. All of the support is for short term needs.
The locations offer struggling households free groceries, meals, free advice, and other support, including applications to emergency SNAP food stamps, Meals on Wheels or personal toiletries. Quite a few of the centers may even be able to distribute other forms of assistance such as clothing, gifts, paper goods, laundry detergent, and baby formula or diapers.
All Saints Episcopal ChurchAddress is 213 Madison Ave.Lakewood, New Jersey, 08701Call the church at 367-0933.Offers free food, meals, and other support.
Destiny Community Development Corporation236 Brick Blvd, Brick Township, NJ 08723. Call 451-0777
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Many People Across America Experience Food Shortages
There are lots of different situations that can lead to food insecurity . Luckily, there are food pantries in every city and most towns that can help those in need. Food pantries provide all types of food for those that need it including bread, milk, produce and other staples. Whether your situation is temporary or more long-term, your local food pantry can help to bridge that gap and provide food for your family.
Fulfill To Manage The Peoples Pantry

Neptune, New Jersey, March 5, 2020 Fulfill, formerly The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, is excited to announce it will be managing The Peoples Pantry at the B.E.A.T. Center in Toms River, which is adjacent to Fulfill offices and Fulfills Culinary Training Program, effective today, March 5, 2020.
The Peoples Pantry will now be operating under Fulfills 5013 for the purposes of federal and state food distribution guidelines.
The Peoples Pantry is also announcing the retirement of Patricia Donaghue as Executive Director as she will be pursuing other interests. Patricia was there for the people of Ocean County after Superstorm Sandy and has been there ever since. Families appreciate her hard work and selfless dedication to help feed them in their time of need. Patricia literally helped redefine the face of hunger, said Peter Van Dyke, Board Chair of The Peoples Pantry.
It has been an honor to serve thousands of families at the Jersey Shore by supplying them meals and connecting them with the social services they needed. Educating our neighbors about the difference between poverty and food security was my priority, said Patricia Donaghue. Its bittersweet to leave The Peoples Pantry that I started after Sandy, but I know its in the best of hands with Eileen Davis Kovar continuing on as manager with Fulfill. Its also comforting to know that The Peoples Pantry will now have a seat on Fulfills Board of Directors.
About The Peoples Pantry
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The Friday Family In Toms River Makes Sure Those In Need Get Food And More
TOMS RIVER, N.J. A food giveaway program in Ocean County that started during the pandemic is still very much needed.
CBS2s Meg Baker spoke with volunteers and those it serves.
The volunteers call themselves the Friday family.
As cars pull up in front of the Presbyterian church in Toms River, their trunks are filled with food. The giveaways started in April 2020, when many were not working due to the pandemic and children were home, not getting meals served at school.
We did one week. We knew we had to come back for two. After two, we knew we had to to come back for three. Now were on week 105, said volunteer Terrance Turnbach.
Cost of gasoline. Cost of food. Cost of clothing. So we are seeing a constant flow. It hasnt really ebbed, said Toms River Mayor Mo Hill.
I think what we uncovered in the pandemic was that the need was always there, Turnbach said.
The volunteers say they give away more than 400 boxes of fruits and vegetables each week.
They just drive on up. Its quick, its easy, no questions asked, have a nice day, hope you and your family are well. Its camaraderie and socialization for some people that might not get it, said volunteer Maria Maruca.
Jackie Cerrigan says she is grateful to have found support there.
I was in a lot of trouble. Had nowhere to live. And I came here and they helped me. They gave me food, helped me with shelter. They helped me every way they possibly could. I could not say enough about these people, Cerrigan said.
Ocean County College Fulfill Partnership To Feed Students Families In Need
TOMS RIVER, NJ Fulfill, the Food Bank of Monmouth of Ocean Counties, has been serving our community for decades, and is, without question, a vital service during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Now, on conjunction with the food bank, volunteers from Ocean County College have come together while the campus is closed to provide crisis boxes of essentials for our students, and their families, in need.
Using the OCC App, students are able to register, and coordinate a pickup, for a box of food that will feed a family of four for four days. Additionally, beginning this month, the boxes will be accompanied by a care package of artistic activities for all ages provided by staff at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts and the Robert J. Novins Planetarium.
While classes continue to be held remotely, the needs of our students remain, remarked Kenneth J. Malagiere, Executive Director of the OCC Foundation, which is joining with OCC student volunteers Cristina Baldino, Spencer Salas, and Isabella Salas members of the OCC Psychology Club and College Facilities, Security, and Student Life teams to offer this program.
Our Foundation is committed to assisting the students and campus community of Ocean County College, beyond scholarships, through our Student Emergency Relief Fund, as well as participating in vital projects like our burgeoning partnership with Fulfill.
About Us
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Toms River Partners With Fulfill To Launch Pop The Trunk Meal Pickup To Feed Families
Toms River Township is partnering with Fulfill to provide emergency crisis food kits to families in need during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The food kits, which are free to families, provide multiple days of groceries to residents struggling due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Mayor Maurice B. Hill said, We are addressing food insecurity at a time when many families are struggling. I want everyone to know during this crisis, that Toms River Township is there to stand with them and to help in any way we can.
Food kits will be distributed at five locations on Good Friday, April 10, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- East Dover Elementary School, 725 Vaughn Avenue, Toms River
- Joseph A. Citta Elementary School, 2050 Lakewood Road, Toms River
- South Toms River Elementary School, 419 Dover Road, Toms River
- Walnut Street Elementary School, 60 Walnut Street, Toms River
- Third Avenue Parking Lot, Ortley Beach
As recommended by the CDC, we are practicing social distancing and limiting interactions. The food distribution will be performed drive-through style. Families should remain in their vehicle at all times. Please keep your windows closed and pop the trunk and we will deliver the food to the trunk or truck bed.
Fulfill says several food pantries and soup kitchens have closed due to a lack of volunteers and fear of the coronavirus spreading, making it difficult for those in need to gain access to food.
Quick Links
Fulfill The Foodbank Of Monmouth And Ocean Counties Inc
Fulfills mission is to identify and develop comprehensive solutions to the range of problems that lead to hunger and food insecurity in the first place. Of course, we distribute food to those who need it, but our overarching goal is to help those in need get to a place where they can get back on their feet for good.
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Job Posting For Food Sourcing Coordinator At Fulfill
Fulfills mission is to alleviate hunger and build food security in Monmouth & Ocean Counties and to make sure that all people at all times have access to enough nutritious food to maintain an active and healthy life. We are dedicated to building community awareness and creating an efficient food distribution network to eliminate hunger. Our staff is committed to embodying the values in all activities.
The purpose of the Food Sourcing Coordinator is to maintain and grow the functions of food sourcing within Fulfill. In this role, you will identify potential stores, farms, and manufacturers who could serve as potential donors, create and routinely implement onsite visitation plans, implement store donation toolkits for each retail chain, to be used when visiting stores, follow up with retail stores regarding issues and communications from operations and drivers and create and maintain a key contact data base. In addition, you will become familiar with Blue receipt process , work with the Network Engagement Team to establish a process for managing agencies participating in the Enabled Agency Program, and work with Drivers and Warehouse staff to ensure stores are ready for driver pickups and are following donation guidelines. You will also work with PR/Communications colleagues to recognize retailers where applicable and provide personal follow up or recognition for donors.
Qualified candidates should send a resume to mikee@creativeworkforce.com
Equal Opportunity Employer
Senior Case Management Services Program
The Senior Case Management Services, or SCMS, program uses a housing-first model to serve Mercer County residents age 55 or older who are homeless or at risk of homelessness because of substance abuse, mental illness, or both. Case managers work with the staff at the Trenton/Mercer Coordinated Entry and Assessment System Center to increase housing stability by providing psycho-educational resources and referrals to medical, mental health, and/or substance use services.
Mercer County: 132 N. Warren Street, Trenton NJ 08608 609-394-8847 x2534
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