Neptune, NJ – Fulfill, the Food Bank for Monmouth and Ocean Counties, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of an important expansion of its Neptune warehouse.

The expansion will add 13,000 square feet of warehouse space and nearly 5,000 square feet of cold storage, significantly increasing Fulfill’s capacity to store and distribute fresh, nutritious foods and meet the growing needs of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, where more than 120,000 residents struggle to put meals on the table, according to Feeding America. Hunger in the region has grown significantly since the pandemic, with Fulfill distributing more food each year to keep up with the demand – over 18 million pounds of food last year alone.

“The expansion is more than just a building project – it’s an investment in our neighbors’ health and well-being,” said Susan Kyrillos, Board Chair of Fulfill. “Our current warehouse, unchanged since 2001, can no longer keep pace with the growing need. The expansion will provide much-needed additional storage and cold space, allowing us to stock more nutrient-rich items like protein, dairy and fresh produce, and serve our neighbors facing food insecurity.”

Once completed, the expanded warehouse will streamline distribution and pick-up efforts, offer volunteers an improved experience through the new Volunteer Welcome Center, and enable Fulfill to deliver more food and essential resources.

The momentous occasion also served as the launch of Fulfill’s $29 million “Path to Plenty to Fill the Healthy Food Gap” capital campaign, which aims to close the healthy food gap by procuring more in-demand items, enhancing Fulfill’s programs to reach more residents and broadening services beyond food assistance.

“While our capital campaign is ambitious, it is achievable,” said Triada Stampas, President and CEO of Fulfill. “Through thoughtful and strategic planning, ‘Path to Plenty’ will not only address our operational needs but also break down barriers to food access in our community. Every step forward and every contribution to this campaign brings us closer to a future where no neighbor goes hungry.”

The event brought together elected officials, community leaders, and partners essential to Fulfill’s fight against hunger. Speakers included New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Edward Wengryn, Senator Vin Gopal, and Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone, who highlighted the state’s commitment to healthy foods, local farmers, and Fulfill’s vital impact in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

“Ending hunger is a complex challenge that no one organization or individual can conquer alone,” said Donald Norkus, Co-chair of the Capital Campaign Steering Committee and former Fulfill Board Chair. “It is through the generous support of the local community and dedicated partners that Fulfill will be propelled forward to meet its fundraising goals and improve the quality of life for the families, children and seniors we serve.”

Fulfill has been at the forefront of fighting hunger at the Jersey Shore for over 40 years, providing 14 million meals annually through its network of nearly 300 food pantries and soup kitchens. The warehouse expansion comes at a time of heightened need, as residents continue to struggle with inflation, rising living costs and recent cuts to critical food programs.

To support Fulfill’s “Path to Plenty” campaign or to learn more about Fulfill, please visit https://fulfillnj.org/pathtoplenty/.

Please see the attached Dropbox link for event photographs, project renderings, and video footage.

Fulfill, the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, has been dedicated to addressing hunger in the Jersey Shore community since 1984. As an active member of Feeding America, Fulfill proudly works with a network of nearly 300 partners, including soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters to provide 1.3 million meals per month to area residents, families, children, seniors and veterans in need. Committed to more than just food distribution, Fulfill also offers connections to affordable healthcare options, Medicaid, SNAP and other services to help neighbors lead healthy and self-sufficient lives. To learn more or become involved, visit www.fulfillnj.org.