Middlesex Co. Launches '31 Ways In 31 Days' Campaign To Combat Food Insecurity

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — Nearly 90,000 residents in Middlesex County face food insecurity, including 20,000 children, prompting county officials to intensify their efforts during September's Hunger Action Month.

The county's food distribution program, REPLENISH, located in East Brunswick, is spearheading the "31 Ways in 31 Days" initiative, offering residents daily opportunities throughout September to combat hunger through donations, volunteering, and community education efforts.

"Hunger Action Month is not just about awareness — it's about action," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. "Whether it's donating food, volunteering your time, or advocating for stronger policies, every effort brings us closer to a future where no one has to worry about their next meal."

To support the increased demand, REPLENISH has expanded its cold storage capabilities with funding from a $81,304 Network Investment Grant from the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, supplemented by additional support from Feeding Middlesex County for a total project investment of $255,998.

The upgrades include a new walk-in cold storage unit that doubles refrigeration capacity from 20 to 40 pallets, while freezer storage will expand from 10 to 16 pallets. These enhancements will improve efficiency and enable better preservation and distribution of fresh, nutritious food across the county.

"With the addition of our new walk-in cold storage, we can preserve and distribute more fresh, healthy food than ever before — right when our neighbors need it most," said REPLENISH Director Jennifer Apostol.

The county has organized multiple events throughout Hunger Action Month:

September 13 - Feed Our Families Food Drive at Stop & Shop locations in East Brunswick and Monroe Township (8 a.m.-6 p.m.), collecting high-need food donations.

September 22 - HSAC Policy Summit on Food Insecurity at ESCNJ Professional Conference Center in Piscataway (10 a.m.-1 p.m.), bringing together state leaders and policy experts to explore solutions from the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan.

September 24 - Senior Health and Fitness Walk at Roosevelt Park in Edison (10 a.m.-1 p.m.), promoting senior wellness while collecting food donations.

September 25 - Hunger Heroes Cocktail Reception at Pines Manor (6-8 p.m.), honoring individuals and organizations fighting hunger, hosted by Feeding Middlesex County in partnership with REPLENISH.

The 2025 Hunger Heroes awards will recognize several local champions:

• Corporate Hunger Hero: Diane Pein, Approved Fire Protection Co., Inc

• Community Hunger Heroes: Jared Gonsalves and Arvid Agosto Jr.

• Government Hunger Hero: Mayor John E. McCormac of Woodbridge

• Tom Ellison Food Pantry Volunteer Award: Dr. Deborah Patin, James O. and Wilhelmina Bryant Food Pantry, Piscataway

"Food insecurity affects families in every corner of our County," said Commissioner Claribel A. Azcona-Barber, Chair of the County's Community Services Committee. "By coming together this September, we are sending a clear message: Middlesex County is a community that cares, acts, and ensures its neighbors are supported with dignity."

Beyond Hunger Action Month, residents can support REPLENISH by donating food and supplies to the East Brunswick facility, making monetary contributions to Feeding Middlesex County, or volunteering their time.

Those needing food assistance can access the Middlesex County Healthy Food Map at middlesexcountynj.gov/healthyfoodsmap for a directory of food pantries, farmers markets, and transportation options.

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