Brews & Bites Fundraiser
The 2nd Annual Brews & Bites Fundraiser hosted by A Need We Feed is set to take place on Sunday, May 19th, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Icarus Brewing. This exciting event promises a delightful combination of live music, delicious burgers prepared by Burger 25, a flight of craft brews, and desserts by Nothing Bundt Cakes. Attendees will also receive a signature beer glass to take home as a memento.
The $55 ticket includes a flight of burgers paired with a flight of craft brews, including the Yacht Juice: 8% North East Style Imperial IPA with notes of dank citrus and stone fruit, Tracksuit Budget: 5% Italian Style Pilsner with notes of Honeydew and light berry, and the BA Maple Whoopie: 11% Imperial Dessert Stout brewed with an overwhelming amount of Cocoa and rich black malts, then aged in Knob Creek Bourbon Barrels for 6 months, followed by further conditioning on Maple Syrup.
Restaurant Partners and Community Involvement
A Need We Feed actively collaborates with local restaurants to ensure the continuity of their weekly meal program. Every Wednesday, one of our fantastic restaurant partners donates meals, offsetting the costs and enabling the organization to provide meals to those in need. These restaurants, including Sam’s Catering, Bubbakoo’s Burritos, Charlie’s Pizza, Coronato’s Clean Cuisine, Lorenzo’s, The Office Restaurant & Lounge, Maruca’s Tomato Pies, and Jersey Mike’s Subs, are commended for their excellent meals and active contribution to the community.
The organization also recognizes the invaluable support of volunteers, with Sally and Jerry being celebrated as Volunteers of the Month for January and February, respectively. March was designated as Volunteer Appreciation Month, and the organization expressed gratitude to The Flower Bar for donating beautiful flowers to honor the Volunteer of the Month each month.
Words from Clients and More than Meals
A Need We Feed’s mission is deeply rooted in the heartfelt testimonials of their clients. A senior client shared, “The meals are great and so helpful, my poor health prevents me from cooking for myself.” Another client, a mom from a family of 5, expressed, “It’s hard to find the words to describe how helpful these meals are. My husband gets paid on Thursdays, so sometimes by Wednesday, we might be literally out of food, and then we receive our meal delivery. It’s just perfect timing, and we’re so grateful.”
The organization goes beyond providing meals by delivering extra treats whenever possible. During a recent Chocolate Bunny drive, local businesses like Bubbakoo’s Burritos, Charlie’s Pizza, Coronato’s Kitchen, and Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home collected over 260 chocolate bunnies, allowing A Need We Feed to donate some to the children at Hugh J. Boyd Elementary School in Seaside Heights. Additionally, the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, Troop 60400, donated Girl Scout cookies, ensuring each client on the weekly meal program received a sweet box of cookies.
Easter Meals and Origins
A Need We Feed was established in 2012 after Superstorm Sandy, when first responders needed a warm Thanksgiving meal. Recognizing that many Veterans, seniors, and families lack the resources or ability to enjoy a warm holiday meal, the organization’s mission quickly expanded to include Christmas, a Summer BBQ, and Easter.
This past Easter, A Need We Feed delivered delicious meals to their clients, including a shepherd’s pie, roll and butter, beverages, crumb cake, and an abundance of chocolate bunnies as a sweet touch. Providing complete holiday meals reminds the organization of its origins and the importance of caring for neighbors in need.
Looking Ahead: Spring 2024
As spring blossoms, A Need We Feed is excited for warmer days and the upcoming fun and exciting events. Having recently wrapped up our 5th Annual Casino Night and Easter meals for clients, the organization thanks all donors, volunteers, board members, and supporters for their continued support.
The anticipation is high for the 2nd Annual Brews & Bites fundraiser in May, followed by an evening of family fun at Beach Ball Blast in Bayville in July. With a mission rooted in compassion and a commitment to serving the community, A Need We Feed continues to spread hope and nourishment throughout Ocean County.
