By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced this September that the county is once again leading the fight against food insecurity as it observes Hunger Action Month with a robust lineup of events spearheaded by the County’s REPLENISH program.
Dedicated to raising awareness and mobilizing resources to support those in need, officials say this month is a vital reminder of many residents' ongoing challenges in securing adequate nutrition.
Officials said this year’s observance is especially significant as REPLENISH marks its 30th anniversary, a milestone that underscores three decades of unwavering commitment to Middlesex County residents.
Since its inception, REPLENISH has been a cornerstone in the battle against hunger, offering essential resources to countless families, according to officials.
Authorities say REPLENISH has launched its 30 for 30 Challenge to honor this achievement. The quarterly initiative will continue through October.
Officials stated the 30 for 30 Challenge invites groups to donate at least 30 items from REPLENISH’s list of high-demand foods and necessities throughout 2024.
As the final quarter of the challenge approaches in October, officials say residents and businesses are encouraged to participate and contribute to the fight against food insecurity.
Hunger Action Month Events in September:
Sunday, September 15
- 10 am–2 pm: REPLENISH is hosting its Donate While You Shop Food Drive to increase food donations from the community. Join REPLENISH at the ShopRite located at 600 Schulmeister Road, Old Bridge, NJ 08857, and the Stop & Shop located at 1600 Perrineville Road, Monroe Township, NJ 08831, to donate high-need items. The event is Free and open to the public. Volunteers are wanted. To register to volunteer, click here.
Monday, September 23
- 10 am: REPLENISH teams up with Share Your Foodways for a live cooking demonstration at REPLENISH| 28 Kennedy Boulevard Suite 850, East Brunswick, NJ 08816| Free and open to the public| Registration is required. Click here to register.
Wednesday, September 25
- 10 am–1 pm: The Senior Health and Fitness Walk is promoting health and wellness to County residents, with REPLENISH hosting a food drive at the event at Roosevelt Park| 1 Pine Drive, Edison, NJ 08837| Registration is required. Click here for more information and to register.
Thursday, September 26
- 6 pm: Feeding Middlesex County, in partnership with REPLENISH, is hosting the Hunger Heroes Cocktail Reception at the Pines Manor, honoring this year’s distinguished Hunger Heroes in Middlesex County. Click here for more information about the event.
The 2024 honorees include:
- Corporate Hunger Hero Award: Bristol Myers Squibb
- Community Hunger Hero Award: Bruce Winkler, REPLENISH Volunteer
- Government Hunger Hero Award: Mark Dinglasan, Executive Director of the State Office of the Food Security Advocate
- Tom Ellison Food Pantry Volunteer Award: Kathy Ruffe, Saint Vincent DePaul Food Pantry
Officials said for those unable to attend a food collection event, donations of food and basic supplies can be dropped off at the REPLENISH facility in East Brunswick during operating hours. Perishable items like meat, dairy, or fresh produce are welcome. Please call 732-729-0880 for further details.
“Hunger Action Month is an opportunity to rally our community around a cause that touches many of our neighbors,” said Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.
“These events are about more than awareness — they’re about taking real steps to ensure that no one in Middlesex County goes hungry. Our community’s collective efforts make a tangible difference, putting food on the tables of those who need it most.”
"In a community as diverse and vibrant as ours, addressing food insecurity is not just a responsibility, but a shared commitment,” said County Commissioner Claribel A. Azcona-Barber.
“Hunger Action Month reminds us that through collective action and sustained effort, we can ensure no one in Middlesex County goes hungry. Together, we can turn compassion into impact and make our community stronger, healthier, and more resilient.”
“We are proud to lead Middlesex County’s efforts during Hunger Action Month,” said Director of REPLENISH Jennifer Apostol.
“Our Hunger Action Month events are more than just a call to donate; they are a lifeline for many in our community who struggle with food insecurity. This month is a reminder of the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together to support our neighbors.”
HELPING THOSE IN NEED BEYOND HUNGER ACTION MONTH
Officials stated that REPLENISH ensures that no one in Middlesex County goes hungry through partnerships, donations, and active community involvement.
Past partnerships with the New York Giants, TopGolf, and Rutgers Men’s Golf and this year’s collaboration with the U.S. Navy highlight community allies' vital role in supporting REPLENISH’s mission, according to officials.
Officials said Monetary donations are also accepted. Checks payable to Feeding Middlesex County can be mailed to PO Box 781, Edison, NJ 08818, or made via their website, feedingmiddlesexcounty.org.
For those in need of food assistance, REPLENISH’s Healthy Food Map is available at middlesexcountynj.gov/healthyfoodsmap. It provides a comprehensive list of food pantries, farmers' markets, and transportation routes.