TOMS RIVER – Going into the second month of businesses being closed down, the need for food is greater than ever.
Gov. Phil Murphy’s Executive Order 107, requiring non-essential workers to stay at home, was passed on March 21. This was done in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 to the point where hospitals can handle the emergency. Medical professionals say it is working, however it has caused a lot of people to be in need when they never were before.
It fell to volunteers to catch those falling through the cracks.
Several food donations were given out in Toms River, located throughout the town. In Ortley Beach, the “soup group” mobilized, serving up homemade soup to those in need, Council President Maria Maruca said.
DRJ Catering, supported by Operation Barbecue Relief, served individual take-out meals to residents on May 1. They were also scheduled to do the same on May 8, 15, and 22 out of the Presbyterian Church Toms River parking lot, 1070 Hooper Ave.
However, this isn’t the first time they’ve been here. They served meals to Superstorm Sandy victims and came to Toms River on two other occasions to serve needy families in 2018 and 2019.
“Drawing from experiences serving after natural disasters, Operation BBQ Relief has the ability to effectively and efficiently provide thousands of meals in a short amount of time while still abiding by Center for Disease Control social distancing group gathering guidelines,” said David Keith, Area Coordinator for New Jersey and owner of DRJ Catering. The group started adapting their methods to serve the virus months ago, as soon as they realized there was going to be a need for their services.
To limit social interactions, food distribution will be drive-through style. Food will be put in trunks or truck beds. Families are asked to stay in their vehicles at all time. All servers and food preparers are adhering to guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control. Bulk meals were served to the following:
- Children that no longer receive hot lunches at school
- Healthcare workers at hospitals who are responding to COVID-19
- Homeless populations throughout the community
- Veterans who have served our country
- Women who are seeking shelter at safe homes
- Families members that have recently lost their jobs
- First responders serving on the front lines
- Organizations that are short on volunteers as social distancing guidelines are in place
Keith said the organization got its start feeding the healthcare workers, veterans, first responders and other organizations in the Kansas City area and have now expanded to different parts of the country.
“A hot meal provides hope, compassion, and comfort during a pandemic that creates several levels of uncertainty,” he said.
“We are so grateful for DRJ Catering and Operation BBQ helping to feed our residents with a delicious barbecue meal during these difficult times,” Mayor Maurice B. Hill said. “They have been a great partner with us in the past and I cannot thank them enough for their generosity to our community.”
Operation BBQ Relief is connecting with closed restaurants to make the meals, empowering them to open their doors and bring their staff back to work as partners in the newly established program Operation Restaurant Relief. They utilize the restaurant kitchens and staff to prepare meals for their local communities. For more information, or to volunteer or donate, visit obr.org.
