JERSEY SHORE – Fulfill has received a $250,000 grant from the FirstEnergy Foundation to expand hunger-relief efforts for families across Monmouth and Ocean counties as rising food costs continue to strain household budgets.
More than 150,000 residents turn to Fulfill for food assistance each month, according to the organization. Fulfill President and CEO Triada Stampas said the FirstEnergy Foundation funding will help provide nutritious food while connecting residents with other services designed to improve long-term stability.
The grant is part of a $1.3 million FirstEnergy Foundation investment benefiting 25 hunger-relief organizations throughout New Jersey. The foundation said the funding is expected to help provide nearly 4 million meals. Jersey Central Power & Light, a FirstEnergy subsidiary, serves about 1.2 million customers in 13 New Jersey counties, including Monmouth and Ocean.
Feeding America estimated that more than 130,000 people in Monmouth and Ocean counties experienced food insecurity in 2024, including nearly 40,000 children. Fulfill said higher food prices and changes to SNAP benefits have added to the financial pressures facing families.
Fulfill plans to use the grant for programs including its Pop-The-Trunk mobile food distributions and services that connect residents with public assistance and other resources. Board of Trustees Chair Susan Doctorian Kyrillos said partnerships with businesses and community organizations are critical to addressing both immediate hunger and the broader challenges facing families.
