FoodBank puts out call for help

FREEHOLD - As the economy continues to struggle, the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties is experiencing a 15 percent decline in food donations. To help reverse that trend, Monmouth County Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow has joined the FoodBank in publicizing the need for help.

"Throughout Monmouth County, people are choosing between putting gasoline in their cars or food on their tables," Mc- Morrow said in a press release. "This is a cause for concern not only today, but it also represents concern for the holiday season later this year."

In 2007, the FoodBank provided 8,500 families with a turkey and all the trimmings.

Susan Kelly, executive director of the FoodBank said, "We anticipate providing at least 10,000 families with a turkey this year and we are looking to our communities for money to help us buy turkeys."

In the past several years, turkey donations have steadily decreased, which has created the need for the FoodBank to purchase turkeys to meet the increased demand, according to the press release.

This year, the FoodBank anticipates buying 6,000 turkeys and hopes 4,000 will be donated. In order to receive the best value, the FoodBank purchases the turkeys in July.

The FoodBank is appealing to individuals, community groups and corporate groups to donate funds to buy the turkeys.

For further information, or to make a donation, call (732) 918-2600 or visit the Internet Web site, www.foodbankmoc.org.