Somerset County to Host Back to School Resource Event at TD Bank Ballpark in August

(For Immediate Release – Somerset County, NJ): Somerset County is teaming up with the Somerset Patriots to host a free resource event at TD Bank Ballpark to help families and students prepare for the 2026-2027 school year. The event will take place at 1 Patriots Park in Bridgewater on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. No ticket is required to enter or participate.

“The ‘to-do list’ at the start of a new school year can become stressful and overwhelming for many families,” said Commissioner Elizabeth Graner, liaison to the Somerset County Human Services Department. “This event aims to ease those burdens by connecting students and families with school supplies and local service agencies that are knowledgeable, resourceful, and committed to helping residents thrive in Somerset County.”

The event’s co-sponsors, the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and the United Way of Northern New Jersey, will be providing free boxes of food and giving away free backpacks to residents while supplies last.

"There is no way that any one organization in Somerset County can fight the battle against food insecurity alone,” said Executive Director Steve Katz, Food Bank Network of Somerset County. “We all operate in a resource constrained environment, and it takes a collaborative effort by nonprofits, government agencies, civic and faith-based organizations, corporations, and individuals. The Food Bank Network of Somerset County is proud to work alongside these amazing partners, and we hope to see many of them out at the ballpark.”

The collaborative effort to partner with the Somerset Patriots ensures that residents have a welcoming space to speak with local agencies at TD Bank Ballpark.

"As an integral member of the Somerset County community, it’s our responsibility to do our part to help those in need,” said Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “We are happy to use our ballpark as the site for this event to assist families in our area, whether that’s with food, school supplies, or to make the connection to available resources to support them along the way.”

At the event, residents can also discover more community services that support the physical, mental, and financial well-being of families in Somerset County.

ZuFall Health, which operates a service facility inside Somerset County’s Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center in Bridgewater, will be sharing information about finding affordable healthcare. Community Child Care Solutions will be educating residents on reducing the cost of childcare through subsidy programs.

“The SNAP crisis in November of 2025 underscored how many families in our community are facing challenges related to food security, rising costs, and access to essential services,” said Human Services Director Mollie Greene. “This event is helping families prepare for a successful school year while strengthening access to the resources that promote long-term stability and well-being in Somerset County.”

Over 20 other agencies will be in attendance to help families get financial assistance, locate community services, and fill out applications for benefit programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Additional resources for improving mental health, navigating school-related challenges, and accessing support for individuals with developmental disabilities will also be available.

Residents can learn more about available resources and services by visiting: https://www.somersetcountynj.gov/government/human-services/resources-publications/resource-guide

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About Somerset County

The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.

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