In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, the food banks in New Jersey have organized themselves to ensure that all are well supplied.  Excess goods are being shared so that the towns along the Jersey Shore have food despite an enormous increase in demand:  on average, food banks are reporting a doubling or tripling of demand.  One food pantry has increased its hours from four a week to 35 a week.

The Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties has distributed food for more than 1 million meals since Hurricane Sandy struck. In addition, a small army of volunteers has worked 7 days a week to sort donations so they can distribute food to the areas that need it the most, as quickly as possible.

In response to this increase, Robin Hood’s funding of $715,000 has helped to provide additional food, increase the number of outreach workers and position the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties as the anchor for Single Stop in the communities it serves. Additionally, because they have an established network of 14 local food groups, the food bank is equipped to pass through additional funds from Robin Hood to these smaller groups who are struggling to keep their communities fed.