Local news- Press Release
Somerset County New Jersey - Somerset Patriots Clinton Honda and Land Rover Princeton Donate $25 000 to Support Local Food Banks and Pantries 18 January 2024 ( news )
Somerset County , state New Jersey ( By Press Release office)
Jan 18,2024
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The Kalafer Family and the Somerset Patriots donated $25 , 000 in matching grants to four Somerset County , NJ food banks . Attending the presentation of ceremonial checks were ( Left to Right ) Lois Bennett of Feeding Hands , Somerset Patriots President/GM Patrick McVerry , Maria Franzoso of My Neighbors Pantry at Zaraphath Church , Somerset Patriots Co - Chairman Josh Kalafer , County Commissioner Doug Singleterry , Somerset Patriots Co - Chairman Jonathan Kalafer , Paula Simpkins of the Food Bank Network of Somerset County , and Derek Smith of the Franklin Food Bank .
BRIDGEWATER , NJ– In an effort to address record demand at Somerset County food pantries , Somerset Patriots Co - Chairmen Jonathan and Josh Kalafer , this week presented checks totaling $25 , 000 to four area food banks and pantries , as part of a “Somerset Challenge” matching grant that produced more than $50 , 000 in total donations during the recent holidays . The donations are expected to help tens of thousands of Somerset County residents in need .
The campaign represented a collaboration between the Kalafer family’s businesses , the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners , and the Somerset County Office of Emergency Management , which encouraged public donations to the local food banks and pantries .
Matching grants from the Patriots , Clinton Honda , and Land Rover Princeton were distributed to these banks and pantries in the following amounts:
My Neighbors Pantry at Zarephath Church
: $3 , 170 .
Food Bank Network of Somerset County
: $3 , 540 .
Franklin Food Bank
: $9 , 145 .
Feeding Hands Inc .
: $9 , 145 .
“We applaud the generosity of the Somerset Patriots and the Kalafer family , in helping us raise awareness and funding to address the serious food insecurity problem we are facing this holiday season , ” said Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y . Robinson . “High food prices and reduced Federal support have created a serious shortfall in resources to address hunger here and across the country . ”
“Unfortunately , food insecurity in our area is at a point that demands immediate attention and support from our community , ” said Josh Kalafer . “No one should be unable to provide food for their family or not have the assistance available to them through local food banks and organizations . ”
Added Jonathan Kalafer , “The Somerset Challenge was an aggressive campaign that asked everyone to do their part to help those in need . We challenged our entire community to help us make a difference and they did not let us down . ”
The Need for Assistance Is Real
Clients of food pantries in Somerset County include many people seeking assistance for the first time , as well as longer - term clients .
James is an example of a new client at Feeding Hands in Hillsborough . Once employed in a corporate job , he now works for a food delivery service company . Even working full - time , he cannot make ends meet .
“Rents are too expensive averaging about $2 , 000 per month , plus gas , health insurance , medication costs , and the price of food is rising , ” he said . “The food bank has been a blessing not only for me but for a lot of people who are struggling . There’s a stigma about getting help from a food bank , but the volunteers are so welcoming and kind , they put everyone at ease . Anyone who is feeling uncomfortable about receiving assistance from a food bank should just stop by and they will feel better about it , knowing they are not alone . ”
A Feeding Hands client of five years is Dolores M . , who cannot afford to feed her family of five children with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP ) benefits alone .
“There are times when we’ve had to share an apple . I don’t like having to rely on benefits but have no choice , ” said Dolores tearfully . “I have hope for the future though . My daughter is an honor student in math , and she will go to college on a scholarship . All of my children are smart , and I am looking forward to them having a brighter future . For now , the foodbank is helping us get by . ”
About the Somerset Patriots
The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double - A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team . The Patriots were the 2022 Eastern League Champions and played their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater , NJ , where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball . To learn more , visit: somersetpatriots . com .
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