Santa helps celebrate Need to Feed Five-Year Anniversary
Spring Lake-Brielle Rotary donates $3,000 to program
Need to Feed started quietly outside the front doors of the Kula Café on Springwood Avenue but quickly grew into a city staple.
Offering free soup and sandwiches to those in need every Monday afternoon, Need to Feed is an Interfaith Neighbors’ supported food program that stemmed from the nonprofit’s New Jersey Youth Corps program, organizers say. 
When Kula Café opened in 2013, the program was moved to the 1201 Springwood Avenue location.
And on Monday afternoon, as they celebrated the program’s 5th anniversary, Santa and his elves couldn’t resist an appearance.
As hot soup and rolls were given to passersby, the café hosted a holiday clothing and toy giveaway.
But behind the scenes it was the collaborative effort of those across Monmouth County that helped make this local program a success.
Toy and clothing donations came from various individuals and groups, including the Cedar Village community of Ocean Township and most recently a $3,000 donation from the Spring Lake-Brielle Rotary Club. The Rotary Club’s own Bill Montanaro donned the red costume as Kula Café training members Dashon Vicks and Isaiah Haymon assisted as Santa’s elves.
While Need to Feed serves on average 125 to 150 meals each week, to date their 283 days in existence has led to the distribution of 19
,500 cups of soup and over 15,000 sandwiches, according to Interfaith Neighbors Executive Director Paul McEvily. In the winter, the food served includes hot soup, bread and pastries, while the summer distribution consists of sandwiches and juice.
Regular donations and support come from Frank’s Deli and Restaurant on Main Street , volunteer Tom Manni [shown at right], and restaurateur Marilyn Schlossbach. Assistant Chef James McNulty oversees the distribution.
Kula Café, also an Interfaith Neighbors program, is a 16-week paid training program for those interested in the hospitality industry. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call (732) 455-0514, visit their website or Facebook page.
For more about the Interfaith Neighbors program visit their website or Facebook page.
[Photos courtesy of Interfaith Neighbors]
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