The Hunger Cliff
June 22, 2023
Many of our neighbors received a notice that their SNAP benefits would be cut, potentially by hundreds of dollars a month. The notices signaled the coming end of a federal increase in food stamps that started in the early days of the pandemic, when unemployment spiked and lawmakers feared that hunger would, too, according to The New York Times.This stress... View Article
Another successful Juneteenth celebration
June 21, 2023
FREEDOM DAY: Congratulations to Board President Juanita Lewis for organizing another successful Juneteenth celebration for the Red Bank NJ community! Juneteenth serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and perseverance of the African American community. By remembering and reflecting on the historic events that led to its creation, we can appreciate the significance of this day and work toward... View Article
Why not join our Wellness Wednesdays team?
June 20, 2023
Lunch Break NJ is calling our community partners to help support the Wellness Wednesdays program. In an effort to better educate community members about available social services and wellness initiatives, we must rely on l resources provided by our non-profit and corporate/business professionals. Each Wednesday, various non-profit and corporate representatives are invited to share vital information and/or lead programs in... View Article
Remember Juneteenth
June 15, 2023
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was 2 1/2 years... View Article
Thank you to all!
June 14, 2023
Thank you to all who contributed to another successful “Artists Open Hearts for Lunch Break” art auction benefitting our 30-plus social service programs, including food insecurity, Life Skills, and Family Promise family counseling and housing solutions. Lunch Break gratefully acknowledges community partners DefinedLogic, for hosting our preview event in the firm’s incredible space, and the artists, who gave their time... View Article
A Special Thanks to Bombas
June 13, 2023
When it comes to compassion, Bombas has cornered the market. Lunch Break NJ is proud to partner with the retail company in a concerted effort to change the narrative and break the cycle of poverty for our community members. We are among the recipients of the company’s 100 million clothing donations. Our families have their gift of love — cozy... View Article
Monmouth County Vocational School District Culinary Arts
June 8, 2023
Lunch Break NJ is proud of our talented young chefs from the Monmouth County Vocational School District. The MCVSD has been a longtime community partner in our efforts to break the cycle of poverty and hunger in Monmouth County and beyond. Their commitment to helping us staff our kitchen, as well as their generous donations, are greatly appreciated. Thanks to... View Article
Attention Shoppers/Donors
June 7, 2023
Clara’s Closet Clothing Donations on Hold Through June 23rd Last Boutique Shopping Day is June 9th As a result of Lunch Break’s building construction, Clara’s Closet is temporarily suspending donations through June 23rd.The last boutique shopping day is June 9th. Clara’s Closet will reopen Monday, June 26th at 10 Drs. James Parker Blvd., Suite 106 (next door to the Client... View Article
Mentor Volunteers Needed
June 7, 2023
Lunch Break NJ needs mentors to support the Alliance For Success (AFS) youth program. The AFS program offers one-to-one mentoring and life skills workshops to high school students needing guidance in vocational training and college prep. Mentors are integral to the AFS program, supporting the education and development of our students. We’re asking our community partners to join our volunteer... View Article
The Family Promise Program
June 7, 2023
Senior citizens are flooding homeless shelters, according to a Washington Post report. They have more specialized health needs and oftentimes shelters are ill equipped to handle many of their issues. The Post reports: Nearly a quarter of a million people 55 or older are estimated by the government to have been homeless in the United States during at least part... View Article