The Starve Poverty Food Pantry opened in February 2022 to improve the quality of life for residents of Ocean County by reducing poverty and food insecurity. To start, we opened one day a week on Thursdays, and in mid-June 2023 we expanded to two days a week as the Pantry experienced a significant increase in demand and we doubled the number of people served. Our volunteer staff offer their time, talents, and passion to ensure a smooth operation and to create a food pantry that fosters kindness, friendship, and camaraderie. We love that our clients enjoy social interaction with one another while at the pantry enjoying coffee and baked items. They mingle, share experiences, promote friendship and encouragement, and provide a support network within their community. Starve Poverty serves families and individuals in the communities of Southern Ocean County, and our food pantry is a participating agency of Fulfill. We also receive food donations from individuals, businesses, churches, and other partners in the community for which we are extremely grateful. Starve Poverty operates as a “choice pantry” which means our clients select the food items they would like from a menu of choices that include dairy, meats, produce, shelf-stable or non-perishable items and baked goods. All are welcome to visit, and no appointment is required.