For the first time, Fulfill (formerly The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties) was able to purchase kosher chickens to distribute to kosher pantries just in time for Rosh Hashanah.

 

“With the help of a generous, private donor through Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey, Fufill was able to buy 115 cases of kosher chickens for the families we serve in the Jewish community,” said Fulfill CEO and President Kim Guadagno, New Jersey’s former Lieutenant Governor. “As our friends and neighbors celebrated their New Year, having meat on the table was an important part of the tradition, and we are so happy we could provide it.”

 

In total, 4,600 pounds of chicken were distributed by Fulfill to three kosher agencies. Sephardic Bikur Holim Pantry in Oakhurst and Zichron Shneur and Forest Glen pantries in Lakewood were the recipients. Between the three kosher pantries, approximately 277 families with 1783 people were served kosher chickens.

 

One mother from Howell who received the chickens for her family of eight at Forest Glen Pantry said, “You don’t know what this means to me. Now my holiday is complete, because the Torah says we need the fish and the meat, the chicken. Serving just vegetables and side dishes with the challah is just not the same. We really do appreciate the chickens.”

 

About Fulfill, formerly the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties

 

Fulfill moves 1 million pounds of food each month for families in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Fulfill feeds children, seniors, veterans, and the working poor. Fulfill serves pantries and shelters, provides hot meals for children after school, and sends food home for those same children over the weekend during the school year. Fulfill also provides additional services to help our neighbors improve their overall situation. Fulfill assists with tax preparation, connecting people to SNAP (food stamps) benefits, and with job training in our culinary program.

 

Fulfill has just earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for the tenth consecutive year. This distinction means Fulfill, a 501 (c)3 charitable organization, outperformed most charities in America in areas of efficiency, fiscal integrity, and effectiveness. In fact, 96 cents of every dollar donated to Fulfill goes directly to feeding the hungry in our community. 

 

Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey enables partners, such as Fulfill, throughout Monmouth and Middlesex counties to address food insecurity among the most vulnerable in the Jewish community. These partners also include Jewish Family & Children's Service of Monmouth County, Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County, and Jewish Social Services of Middlesex County. In 2018, Federation helped bring more than 40,000 kosher meals primarily to seniors who cannot afford or prepare their own meals. If you or someone you know is in need, please contact us.