Do You Or Someone You Know Need Help? Fulfill Is Here For You

Fulfill needs your help!

I went to Fulfill -- formerly known as the Foodbank of Monmouth & Ocean County -- and spoke with their President & CEO, Kim Guadagno about how the COVID-19 Pandemic has affected the demand for those in need.

First and foremost: Kim shouted out all of the Fulfill employees. Not one single person missed a day of work throughout the pandemic because if they didn't come to work, people don't eat.

Thank you Fulfill employees. People like you are rare and we appreciate it.

Now let's break down the numbers to give you an idea of what Fulfill is dealing with in 2020.

IF YOU CAN HELP: 

Because of the pandemic, the number of people that have been served has increased by 40% which means that a whopping 2.4 million additional meals have been served in comparison to last year.

Now this number hurts. The cost of food in 2020 has increased 445% -- and yes, Kim checked those numbers twice before our interview because that number is very alarming.

So thank you to everyone who has donated thus far but if we could keep those donations coming, it would be so appreciated.

A $1.00 donation provides 3 meals. That is all you have to donate to make a difference.

CLICK HERE to make a monetary donation to help your neighbor because Fulfill's work helps those at the Jersey Shore.

You can also make a food donation by dropping it off at Fulfill between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. If you go after hours, just leave your donation by their shed.

IF YOU NEED FULFILL'S HELP: 

If you are someone in need of help from Fulfill, there are a lot of options to choose from.

If you are in need of food, simply go to Fulfill between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday no questions asked.

"We don't ask for your name, your address or any other information," said Guadagno. "We just ask how much food you need and how old your kids are if you have them so we can give age-appropriate food and other necessary supplies."

 

Another option is to sign up for food stamps which basically looks and functions like a regular credit card that you can use at the supermarket.

And yes, Fulfill can help you with more than that.

If you need insurance because you are out of a job, Fulfill can help.

If you need your taxes done, Fulfill can help.

"If we can't get it for you, we will find someone who can," said Guadagno.

SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Kim also spoke about not necessarily knowing who is out of job and therefore who is struggling.

"If you look around, you can't tell who is out of job," said Guadagno. "When my dad lost his job when I was in 11th grade, I did not know for an entire year!"

 

"You don't know what hunger looks like and you don't know what losing your job looks like," continued Guadagno. "Therefore, you don't know who is struggling and needs help. But to help those in need -- whether you know who they are or not --  head to Fulfillnj.org."

 

The moral of the story here is that whether you need help or you can offer help, please visit FulfillNJ.org.