About Us

At Lunch Break, we believe in the power of compassion and community to create positive change. Since our founding, we have dedicated ourselves to serving those in need in our community.

Who We Are

A food line with volunteers serving clients lunch

Mission

As a caring community, Lunch Break freely provides food, clothing, life skills, and fellowship to those in need in Monmouth County and beyond.

A female volunteer working in community food center holding a basket of tomatoes

Vision

We envision a world where every human being has a healthy meal, a warm home, an open heart, and the resources to achieve one’s unique potential.

A woman with a mic delivering a presentation to a group of people

Values

We serve everyone with compassion and dignity.

History

In 1983, Norma Todd and the founding members of Lunch Break envisioned a compassionate community where members are cared for, nourished in both body and soul. Their mission began with addressing hunger among those struggling to make ends meet, offering immediate assistance while fostering hope for a brighter future. Since then, Lunch Break has grown beyond its origins as a provider of hot meals and food supplies, building upon its legacy.

Lunch break founders

Our Programs Serve:

Everyone, regardless of age, with some programs targeted to specific groups. Our pillar services such as food, clothing, housing and life skills are essential basic human rights afforded to anyone seeking such assistance.

Two people with a basket of groceries

We Operate In:

Our primary service areas are Monmouth & Ocean Counties, with some programs crossing county lines. Individuals from other regions are never turned away for basics such as pantry staples, hot meals, and clothing.

Two people at a formal event
Two people at a formal event

We Operate In:

Our primary service areas are Monmouth & Ocean Counties, with some programs crossing county lines. Individuals from other regions are never turned away for basics such as pantry staples, hot meals, and clothing.

Our Programs Serve:

Community Kitchen | Your Choice Food Pantry | Clara’s Closet Clothing | Lunch Break’s Family Promise of Monmouth County | Back to School Backpacks | Kid’s Cooking Class | Community Wellness Fair | Womyn’s Worth | Mentoring | Holiday Toy Program | Homebound Meals | Life Skills | Alliance for Success | Health & Wellness

A group of kids in aprons for the kids cooking class