Mercer’s TASK To Host Free Community BBQ Friday To Raise Awareness During Hunger Action Month

MERCER COUNTY, NJ – On Friday, the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) will host a free and festive BBQ meal, offering the public an opportunity to enjoy food, fun and community.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., at 72 ½ Escher Street. Attendees can enjoy a delicious meal at this outdoor event that will feature live music from TASK’s house band, The FunkTASKtiks, under a tent at neighboring Capital City Farm.

Diners can expect traditional BBQ fare and sides like pasta salad and corn on the cob prepared by the TASK kitchen as well as water ice donated by Rita’s of Ewing.

TASK’s fourth annual community meal will also mark the first under the leadership of Amy Flynn, who joined TASK as CEO in January.

“My journey in life and service has brought me this opportunity at TASK at a time when many are experiencing great hardship and concern about what the future holds,” Flynn said. “While Hunger Action Month brings awareness to the very serious challenges facing our friends and neighbors, I look forward to celebrating the resilience of the TASK community and our shared commitment to a hunger-free tomorrow.”

In September, hunger relief agencies around the country recognize Hunger Action Month, a time to work together to raise awareness about food insecurity, which is surging across the United States.

Friday’s event marks an opportunity for TASK to gather diners, staff, volunteers, donors and community partners together to bring attention to this important issue.

TASK serves roughly 12,500 free, freshly-prepared meals each week at its Escher Street dining room and more than 50 community meal sites across Greater Mercer County, representing an increase of 20 percent more meals compared to the prior year.

Over the past 12 months, TASK has served approximately 630,000 meals – the most ever in one year in its 43-year history.

“According to Feeding America, 100 percent of counties across the United States report people in their communities facing food insecurity,” says Flynn. “The face of hunger isn’t always what people might expect. At TASK, we are committed to feeding everyone who needs a meal – no questions asked – and we are continually working on innovative solutions, like our food truck and community meal program, to break down barriers and improve people’s access to food.”

This Friday also presents an opportunity for TASK to recognize some of its partners who have helped in the fight against hunger over the past year. After the BBQ, guests are invited to move indoors for a brief ceremony that will feature speakers including Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli, Assemblywoman Tenille McCoy and representatives from Mercer County and the City of Trenton.

TASK will also honor Mental Health Association in New Jersey and the NJ Food Fund for their partnership, as well as the late Kathy Wooley, a longtime TASK volunteer and member of TASK’s Board of Directors.

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