This is a wonderful opportunity to get a 'backstage' tour' of the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties and an inside glimpse into the workings of a place that keeps many people fed in our area thanks to your donations. It will also give you an idea of how you can volunteer to be a part of it all.

The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties will mark its 30th anniversary with a community open house from 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at their Neptune facility. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend. You are also invited to bring a donation of non-perishable food.

You'll get to tour the FoodBank facilities, including their organic garden, the 30,000+ square foot warehouse, and the mobile pantry. You'll learn about how food is procured and distributed to more than 130,000 residents of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, and participate in hands-on activities and demonstrations.

The FoodBank began in 1984 when a small group of people saw hunger at the Jersey Shore and decided to make a difference. They purchased a dilapidated warehouse in Spring Lake. Carpenters, masons and other members of the community donated work, office furniture, and supplies. Food streamed in from hundreds of donors. After one year, the FoodBank was serving 25 charities with 100,000 pounds of food.

Ten years later, nearly $2 million pounds of food was being distributed annually from that same small warehouse. Bursting at the seams, The FoodBank  in 1998 began raising money to construct a new facility in Neptune. Three years later, the current 40,000 sq. ft. facility became a reality.

Today, the FoodBank distributes more than 10 million meals through a network of 300 feeding programs serving one out of ten residents of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. In addition to food distribution, the FoodBank works toward long-term solutions to the chronic problem of food insecurity with programs like a culinary career training program, SNAP (Food stamps) outreach, nutrition education...and even free help filing your taxes with income tax preparation help!

For more information, CLICK HERE Or call 732-918-2600..

More From 94.3 The Point