Elected Officials Kick Off Food/Fund Drive

Elected officials from five area towns spent a few minutes as grocery baggers at a Route 34 store Wednesday to kick off a fund-raising drive to benefit the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Belmar Mayor Matthew Doherty, Manasquan Mayor George Dempsey, Brielle Mayor Thomas Nicol, Lake Como Mayor Michael Ryan and Wall Committeeman Todd Luttman bagged a few groceries at the Route 34 ShopRite store to kick off the company’s “Partners In Caring,’’ program.

The program gives to local charities a portion of the money spent on products from an assortment of 50 companies that the grocery chain has partnered with. Area ShopRite stores have designated the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties their beneficiary.

Doherty, during his short stint at the end of a grocery line, wasn’t exactly sure what he was doing.

“I’m going to be fired here in the next 30 minutes,’’ he said. “But this helps out the FoodBank, which does outstanding work.’’

The FoodBank feeds roughly 1 in 10 residents in Monmouth and Ocean counties, according to Carlos Rodriguez, the food bank’s executive director.

ShopRite Partners In Caring has donated $29 million to local food banks that support more than 1,700 charities in providing food assistance throughout the Northeast, a ShopRite releases says.

“The ShopRites locally have been a tremendous help,’’ Rodriguez said.

Municipal officials also cut a ribbon outside the store in a symbolic kick off to the campaign.

“We have a responsibility to give back to the community and especially to those who are less fortunate,’’ Ryan said. “When we do, we’re all the better for it.’’

Mayor Dempsey agreed.

“It’s very important, especially in this economy, to give something back,’’ Dempsey said. “And we’re glad to help ShopRite give a little back.’’