Remember what that first bite of a fresh, New Jersey tomato tastes like on a beautiful summer day? At Interfaith Neighbors, we believe that fresh food is a basic human right and everyone should be able to experience these impeccable flavors NJ farms have to offer! Beginning in October 2021, Interfaith Neighbors organized the first ever Monmouth County-based collaboration amongst a network of area food pantries, community spaces, and local farmers called the Community Food Connection. The mission of the Community Food Connection is to work passionately to develop community-driven solutions to inequities within the Monmouth County, NJ regional food system.

In May 2022, Community Food Connection took the bold step of creating the Farm to Food Pantry Initiative. This 25-week initiative focused on providing free, seasonal, farm-fresh produce to 200 families each day of the week through a network of 12 participating food pantries and other community sites including the Asbury Park Senior Center, Asbury Towers, Asbury Park Housing Authority Robinson Towers, and the Monmouth County Boys & Girls Club. Our beautiful, chemical-free, seasonal produce is grown by Fernbrook Farms, a 5th generation farm family near Chesterfield, NJ. Your investment helps to pay Fernbrook a fair price for their food and will assist this NJ farm in thriving for generations to come.

In the 2024 growing season, Community Food Connection expects to serve 650 families across 20 sites covering a broader area of Monmouth County including Red Bank, Bradley Beach, Eatontown, Long Branch, Hazlet, Keyport, Keansburg, and Lincroft. The coalition intends to service more older adults and unhoused people.

Everyone—regardless of income, race or zip code—deserves access to fresh, healthy food, a cornerstone for mental and physical health. Access to fresh food gives our community members a fair chance. Please help us build a healthier, more equitable community by donating today and sharing this page with your friends, family and neighbors to give.