A Little 'Food For Thought' Can Help Lunch Break In Red Bank

RED BANK, NJ — Try a new way to get involved with Lunch Break this Saturday at its first "Food for Thought" event.

The poetry, music and mindfulness program includes an opportunity to donate non-perishable food items to the Lunch Break food pantry at 121 Drs. James Parker Boulevard in Red Bank, said development assistant Caitlin McGarry.

McGarry brings a background of many different influences to her job at Lunch Break, which she began in August. She was a Psychology major in college, and she is also a poet and singer-songwriter.

"I won't be performing at this event - I'd wear too many hats," she laughed.

But she did come up with the concept, the first time this sort of event is being offered.

For McGarry, she said the concept is a way to "bring people from the community together - and ground ourselves in the needs of the community."

The program is on Saturday, March 2, and will take place in the expanded dining room. There is no entrance fee, but a food donation would be much appreciated.

The event is from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and doors open at 2:30 p.m. (You can scan the QR code to register, although registration is not required.) All members of the community are welcome to attend.

You can expect live performances by New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players, Gaia Raga, Shinything, Padraic's Joy and Krista Elora, plus a mindfulness exercise by KYDS.

The Lunch Break food and social services resource center is undergoing a $12 million expansionat its Red Bank headquarters and is slated to fully reopen at its original location on Drs. James Parker Boulevard in the spring.

Lunch Break is a nonprofit organization, providing food, clothing, housing solutions, life skills, and fellowship to residents of greater Monmouth County. All Lunch Break services are free. Visit www.lunchbreak.org.