BRIDGEWATER, NJ – There is still time to double your donation to local food pantries in Somerset County, thanks to a challenge grant from the Somerset Patriots, the Double-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees. The collaboration between Somerset County and the Somerset Patriots was created after learning that local food banks and pantries have been reporting a record-high demand for assistance during the holidays.
Patriots Co-Chairmen Jonathan and Josh Kalafer, the team, and the Kalafer family stepped up to the plate by offering to match monetary donations made by the public on a dollar-for-dollar basis of up to $25,000. Thus far, food banks have raised approximately $18,000 under the original deadline of Dec. 20, for a total of $36,000 including the match. This week, the Patriots agreed to a request from the County to extend the deadline to Dec. 31, in hope of unlocking the entire $25,000 offered.
“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.”
The County and the Patriots are offering these ways to donate:
“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, “This is a very aggressive campaign that requires all of us to do our part to help those that are in need. We are challenging our entire community to help us make a difference.”
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.”
Participating Food Pantries and Banks
Food banks and pantries participating in the Somerset Challenge food drive include Feeding Hands Inc.; the Food Bank Network of Somerset County; My Neighbors Pantry at Zarephath Church; and the Franklin Food Bank.
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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