(MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ) -- REPLENISH, formerly Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services (MCFOODS), has reported that it received and distributed a record-breaking amount of food to Middlesex County residents in need in 2021 according to the program’s yearly report. In total, the program which is operated by the Middlesex County Department of Community Services with support of the Board of County Commissioners distributed a total of 4,730,058 pounds of food including fresh produce, dairy, and meat products to over 150 partners, eclipsing its previous year’s record of 4,378,792 pounds of food by more than 350,000 pounds.

“We are so grateful to our community partners and our team at REPLENISH for adapting and persevering through the many challenges we all faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios. “While the pandemic forced us to completely rethink every aspect of our service model, we are proud that REPLENISH kept their doors open five days a week to not just distribute food to our partners but to provide crucial information related to COVID-19, housing, rent, childcare, mental health, and more. And to our Middlesex County residents, thank you for your continued commitment in working together to help alleviate hunger and drive awareness of the significant need that exists in our communities.”

“Keeping in line with their new brand identity and tagline, we are proud to see REPLENISH hit this major milestone,” said County Commissioner Claribel Azcona-Barber. “From holding their annual Turkey Distribution to providing food assistance to residents in need, REPLENISH makes a tremendous difference in the lives of so many in our community. On behalf of everyone in Middlesex County, I would like to extend my gratitude to not just our team in REPLENISH but to all the volunteers and staff who have given their time and energy over the years, for none of this would be possible without them.”

In addition to receiving and distributing a total of 4,730,058 pounds of food to 150 partner organizations serving Middlesex County residents, REPLENISH launched an interactive Middlesex County Healthy Foods Map to help residents locate local healthy food through food pantries, farmers markets, and grocery stores, as well as the public transportation routes to bring individuals to those resources. The map can be found here.

In 2021, REPLENISH also provided additional food assistance to multiple towns in response to the Carteret apartment fire, Tropical Storm Henri, and Tropical Storm Ida. Non-food resources distributed to residents in large quantities including baby food, LED light bulbs, cleansing wipes, hygiene products, and books.

HOW TO HELP

While 2021 broke records for REPLENISH, program operators say the need for the community to donate in any way they can is still great.

To help keep their shelves stocked, REPLENISH in partnership with the Board of County Commissioners and the Middlesex County Superintendent of Schools, is hosting the 2022 Middlesex County Spring School Food Drive. Individuals are invited to drop off donations at schools from March 21 through April 1. Monetary donations are also always accepted in the form of a check payable to “Feeding Middlesex County.” Checks may be mailed to PO Box 781, Edison, NJ 08818 or donations can be made online via the REPLENISH website at www.feedingmiddlesexcounty.org.

Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 832,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. Ranked #1 in the state for best schools, the County offers an award-winning vocational school system, a county college, and workforce development creating a unique ecosystem in which opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century.