AP Dinner Table gets $108K state grant to feed those in need
The effort has already raised $400,000 and served 100,000 meals since March
Asbury Park Dinner Table — an Asbury Park-based nonprofit founded last year in response to the devastation of COVID-19 on the City’s hospitality industry, as well as individuals and families struggling financially — has been awarded a grant of $108,000 through the Sustain & Serve grant program administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).
Asbury Park Dinner Table has raised over $400,000 since March to support Asbury Park restaurants, and has served over 100,000 meals at 9 locations across the City.
The organization pays city restaurants to produce boxed meals that are then distributed to those experiencing food scarcity, which has become particularly severe for those losing jobs and income during the pandemic.
Click here for more information on the organization, including how to donate.
“It’s a game changer for our restaurants for this spring season. The pandemic and business closures have been devastating for our local businesses. This time of year, they should be gearing up for the summer boom and hiring seasonal staff. The hope is that this funding will make that possible,” said Julie Andreola, President and co-founder of the organization.
“This grant doubles our capacity, and best of all, gives us the opportunity to really reach out to restaurants who haven’t participated with us yet. We are looking for new restaurants to reach out to us for additional support to get through this season,” Kathy Kelly, another organization co-founder and owner of Paranormal Books and Curiosities on Cookman Avenue.
The other two co-founders of the organization are Giuseppe “Joe” Grillo and AK Hanrahan.
Asbury Park Dinner Table is one of 27 organizations awarded a grant from the NJEDA’s Sustain & Serve grant program.
“New Jersey’s restaurants were hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the outpouring of interest in Sustain & Serve NJ underscores the community’s desire to help local restaurants and the neighborhoods they serve,” Governor Phil Murphy said. “The positive economic impact of this program for the restaurant industry, combined with the good it will do in the community, makes Sustain & Serve NJ a home run.” The NJEDA expects that the funding announced yesterday will result in the purchase of 1.5 million meals from at least 160 New Jersey restaurants in at least 69 cities in 12 counties.
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