NEPTUNE – Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow joined the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean counties in recognizing 67 schools in Monmouth and Ocean counties for their participation in the 2008 Holiday Hunger food drive, which topped expectations with a record 54,448 pounds of food collected.

 

McMorrow, who has been campaigning on behalf of the FoodBank, also used the opportunity to remind residents that the need to keep the food pantry well stocked has rarely been greater.

 

“These students have really made a difference and I am so very proud of them,” McMorrow said. “Even with this remarkable effort, overall food donations continue to be off by as much as 40 percent. So, it’s important that we continue to fill the FoodBank’s shelves and bins throughout this season of giving. We need to follow the lead of our local students.” 

 

Mater Dei High School of the New Monmouth section of Middletown was the champion in this year’s Holiday Hunger food drive. Other Monmouth County schools that made the top of the list are: Brookside School, Wall; H.W. Mountz Elementary School, Spring Lake; Old Mill Elementary School, Wall; Maple Place School, Oceanport; Wall Intermediate School, and Manalapan High School. Ocean County Schools are: Alpha School of Lakewood and Central Regional High School of Bayville.

 

“We are so appreciative of this record-setting participation this year,” said Susan Kelly, executive director of the FoodBank. “The Holiday Hunger food drive has doubled last year’s effort – but unfortunately our needs seem to have doubled as well. We are grateful for the support of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders and all those who have helped us meet our goal.”

 

The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties distributes 4 million pounds of food a year through 270 charities. It is a 501(c)(3) located at 3300 Route 66 in Neptune, and is a member of America’s Second Harvest, the nation’s food bank network. For further information, or to make a donation, please call (732) 918-2600 or visit their Web site, www.foodbankmoc.org 

 

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