Food agency tries to keep up with county needs
Director says more people are seeking help in tough economic times
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer
The price of living, even modestly, is getting tougher every day and the proof is in the increase in the number of people who are seeking assistance from area food pantries.

As if that isn't bad enough, the stock that normally lines area food pantry shelves is dwindling, dropping off in part because the people who were the staunchest supporters and the most giving are now having some pretty tough times themselves.

"We get the bulk of our donations from the average Joe," said Carol Latif, executive director of Ocean County Hunger Relief.

And, according to Latif, the "average Joe" is now in trouble and holding back on making donations because the changing times have made it harder for the average Joe (or Jane) to feed his or her family as well.

"It's horrible," she said, adding, "We're a mess."

Ocean County Hunger Relief, Toms River, provides help to those who are hungry in Lakewood, Jackson and Plumsted, and services 30 food pantries in the county. Latif said the agency gets leads as to who needs food from faith-based programs at houses of worship, social service agencies and the Division of Youth and Family Services.

Most referrals come from the Ocean County Board of Social Services, rather than from people walking in off the street.

Latif, who has served the agency as executive director for six years, said she has seen a tremendous increase in needs in recent years.

"We could always count on a certain amount of donations," she said. "We didn't have to worry so much like we do now."

According to Latif, the Ocean County Hunger Relief program provides food that is intended as a stopgap measure in order to give people time to obtain help from family, friends or social service agencies.

The goal of the agency is to help those in need by maintaining a level of reliable emergency food assistance to Ocean County.

The agency has a team of volunteers and continues to encourage the community to support and respond to its needs. Educational programs to help combat hunger are also provided.

The agency supplements its local resources with food that is purchased from major suppliers, including the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, Neptune.

According to information provided by Latif, Ocean County has a high percentage of senior citizens who live on a fixed income. Also, the number of single-parent households continues to grow. In addition, Latif said the lack of industry in the county translates into a lack of employment.

Increased demands and reduced support is further aggravating the hunger crisis in Ocean County, according to Latif. She said 50 percent of the clients the agency serves are children.

The agency has a program called Ocean Kids First, a collaborative effort among local professional chefs, educators, nutritionists and community organizations. The program teaches children and their caregivers nutritional education through hands-on food preparation and an interactive multi-media presentation that trains them in making improved food choices for better health.

Anyone wishing to donate much needed items or contribute money may contact (732) 505-HELP.

The food agency is in need of powdered milk, cans of fruit juice (no fruit drinks), canned fruit, dried fruit, raisins, and unsweetened fruit and jelly. Also needed is dry cereal, oatmeal, cereal bars, rice, spaghetti, and cans of ravioli. And soup, kidney beans, peanut butter, pork and beans, and canned vegetables.

There are also hungry people with special needs and Ocean County Hunger Relief wants to accommodate them as well with low-sugar, low-salt and no-salt foods.

In addition, paper products such as toilet paper, paper plates, plastic forks and plastic spoons are always in demand, as is laundry detergent. There is also a need for disposable diapers, jars of baby food and Good Start formula.