Client Resources

Home
NEWSLETTER 2018
Clients\Schedule
Notices\Events
Thanks & Acknowledgements 2017
Esteemed Sponsors
Memorials & Celebrations
What You Can Do - Community Service Projects
Meet the Volunteers
Food Bank History
Client Resources
All About Us
Contact Us
Food Bank Tours
Newsletter 2017
Newsletter 2016
Newsletter 2015
Newsletter 2014
Newsletter 2013
Newsletter 2012
Newsletter 2011
Newsletter 2010
Newsletter 2009
Newsletter 2008
Newsletter 2007
Newsletter 2006
Newsletter 2005
Newsletter 2004

Lacey Township Food Bank

The following resources can help clients be more active, enable them to get hot nourishing food on a daily basis, and deal with government agencies. Resources include a list of local churches and veteran's administration programs. We strive to keep all information current. If you find a mistake or change please email us at:

AFFORDABLE COMPUTER & INTERNET ACCESS AVAILABLE
 
Comcast is offering an Internet Only promotion. The Internet Essential Program offers affordable intenet, computer training and low cost computers to eligible households.
 
To qualify for $9.95 a month Internet service and a low cost computer your  household must meet the following criteria:
 
Your residence is located within the Comcast service area.
You have a least one child receiving free school lunches
You have not subscribed to Comcast Internet Service within the last 90 days.
You do not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment.
 
How to apply:
Call 1-855-846-8376 to request an application
An application will be mailed to you. Complete and return with the lunch program documentation from your child's school program.
Allow ten days for a response and Comcast will notify you by mail about the status of your application.
 
How to Get Connected
Once approved, Comcast will mail you a welcome package with everything you need to set up your service and receive free internet training. If you choose you can purchase a low cost computer.( Dell & Acer Netbooks can be purchased for $150.)

Realizing that many clients do not have access to the internet we ask that if you know someone who could use any or all of the following information, please print this page to share with them.

A MINI COOK BOOKLET ON HOW TO UTILIZE GOVERNMENT SURPLUS POTATOES
Food Bank volunteers were puzzled to see that clients were rejecting the large packages of USDA  instant mashed potatoes. A closer examination revealed that preparation instructions were for 50 servings - the math to cut that down being quite a challenge.
 
Our answer? Here's how to prepare six servings plus a few recipes to utilize leftover potatoes in soups, casseroles, etc. To download the file 
 

Cooking With Dried Potatoes PDF

HOW LONG CAN YOU KEEP EGGS?
Eggs are often still edible weeks after  the  date on box. How can you tell? Click on this link for all you need to know.

 

EGG SURVIVAL

 

Expiration Dates: Should You Pay Attention?

The dates on food labels can be confusing. The truth is, they often have nothing to do with food safety. Here's what you really need to know.

Then learn how to store & keep fresh food for optimum use.

 

STILL TASTY

 

.
 
 
COUNTY TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Car-less? Take advantage of the County transportation mini bus system "Ocean Ride " to get around town, with additional service for non-emergency medical transportation. The busses run Monday through Friday and fares are a reasonable $.25 for disabled and senior citizens and $.50 for the general public. Call the County toll free at 1-877-929-2082 for a schedule. Passengers needing lift service for next day service must notify the County of the trip they wish to take.

NEED A RIDE TO THE FOOD BANK on distribution day?
Call the Recreation Department at 693-1100, extension 2203
at least 24 hours before distribution day
to request transportation.

SENIOR LUNCH PROGRAM

This lunch program offers you a hot nutritious meal, and the companionship of new friends while you enjoy a varied menu every day from Monday to Friday.

There are only two requirements:
#1. You be 60 years old or be married to someone 60 or over.
#2. You must call 609-693-0661 at least 24 hours ahead for a reservation

How Much Does It Cost?
The suggested donation for lunch is $1.50, however you only need donate what you can afford . No One is denied lunch because of an inability to pay, and donations are done via closed envelopes which insure your privacy.

Where?
The Village Lutheran Church, 701 Western Boulevard, Lanoka Harbor.

When?
Mondays through Fridays 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
You may choose to eat one, two or all days of the week.

Can't Drive?
Bus pickup is available by calling Berkeley Outreach at
(732) 244-9600 24 hours before you need the ride.

This program also offers Meals on Wheels to Seniors who are homebound. For questions about Meals on Wheels call Berkeley Outreach at (732)244-9600 and ask for a meals on wheels counselor.

If you need help with this, call Lacey Food Bank 242-2848 and we'll get you signed up and going!

LIKE TO READ? THE OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY WILL BRING REGULAR AND LARGE PRINT BOOKS OR BOOKS ON CASETTE TO YOU.  WE HAVE VOLUNTEERS WHO ENJOY SHARING THEIR LOVE OF READING AND WILL VISIT YOU ON A REGULAR BASIS TO BRING MATERIALS YOU HAVE REQUESTED OR THOSE THE VOLUNTEER SUGGESTS. CALL 732-269-5850 FOR ADDITONAL INFORMATION OR CLICK ON THE LINK TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT AN APPLICATION.

APPLICATION FOR HOME DELIVERY SERVICE

HELP WITH HOME REPAIRS
FACING A REPAIR EMERGENCY? THE FOOD BANK WILL ASSIST YOU IN GETTING HELP FROM THE LOCAL CATHOLIC CHARITIES OR VOLUNTEER TRADESMEN, WHO FOR THE COST OF THE MATERIAL WILL HELP YOU WITH A MINOR ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING OR APPLIANCE PROBLEM.  CALL THE FOOD BANK OFFICE AT 242-2848 AND LEAVE A MESSAGE - SOMEONE WILL GET BACK TO YOU.

WORKING FAMILIES GET TAX CREDITS

Thanks to government cuts this program has been suspended. We will notify all if it continues.
 
Hardworking families should be aware of tax programs that help them. In particular, the Federal and State government offer tax credits worth thousands of dollars for low income parents. For example, a working parent or couple with two children, and an income of between $10,000 and $13,000 can receive $4,008 from the federal tax credit and $601. from the state, for a total of $4,609 or an extra $394 a month in the pockets of hard working,yet low income New Jersey residents.

The state credit is available to families earning up to $20,000 a year, while families earning as much as $32,000 ayear can qualify for the federal tax credit. Benfits will vary according to size of the family and income. You can file for the credit by phone, or by completing your state and federal tax forms. For more information or to find out if you qualify, call 1-888-895-9179. If all of this is too much for you to tackle, call 242-2848 and we'll get you help.

HOME HEATING HELP
 
Several programs are available to help those who cannot afford their heating bills.
(For those facing any utility shut off notify us at 242-2848 and we'll do our best to help you find help)
 
*  Lifeline Program - If you receive SSI or are eligible for PAAD, benefits are eligible for the Lifeline progam, under which you can receive $225. toward your electricity or natural gas costs. Call  (800) 792-9745
 
*  NJ Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral Energy Servie Inc. (NJSHARES) This non profit group helps people who need temporary help  paying their gas or electric bills and who are NOT eliigible for welfare benefits. They give out one-time grants of $250 each.  Call (866) 657-4273
 
* Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) This program uses federal money to subsidize money spent on oil, natural gas, electric heating, propane and kerosene from Nov. 1 - March 31. The benefit varies depending on income and household size. Call (800) 510-3102
 
*  Universal Service Fund (USF) If you apply to LIHEAP (above) you will automatically apply for this program. This is a state program designed to ensure lower-income customers pay no more than 6% of  their annual income for their gas and electricity service combined. Income eligibility depends on household size. (866) 240-1347
 
*  Gift of Warmth:  NJ Natural Gas customer may be eligible for this program. For in formation in Ocean County call (732) 244-9041
 
*  Winter Termination Program : This program prevents people who receive benefits such as those listed above from having their gas or electric service disconnected during the winter months. Call (800) 624-0241
 

WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE: Senior Wheels USA, a nationwide program, can provide a power wheelchair to people aage 65 and older and the permanently disabled at no cost to the recipient. For qualifications, call (800) 246-6010

THE GIFT OF SIGHT

One call to the National Eye Care Project, a public service program sponsored by the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc., could mean the difference between sight and blindness for you or someone you love. The program is staffed by 255 volunteer ophthalmologists in New Jersey. Once call to the National Eye Care Program could mean the difference between sight and blindness for either you, or a loved one.

The program is designed for, but not limited to, financially disadvantaged seniors. All U.S. citizens or legal residents age 65 and over, who have not seen an ophthalmologist in the last three years or longer, are eligible for the project. A phone call to the toll-free help line at 1-(8QO)-222-EYES(3937) can match patients with a volunteer ophthalmologist in their area. That doctor will provide a complete medical eye examination and a full year of treatment for any condition diagnosed at the initial visit. There is no cost to the patient. As volunteers for the project, we have agreed to accept Medicare or other insurance reimbursement as payment in full, with no out-of-pocket expense to the patient.

Those without insurance of any kind, including Medicare, receive care at no charge. Take advantage of this amazing program which gives the gift of sight.

MILITARY WIDOWS

If you were widowed as the result of a war related injury or disability, remarried (therefore losing your pension) then widowed or divorced from your second husband, you might be able to have your widow's pension reinstated due to a new change in the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) act.For more information call the VA's tool free number, (800) 827-1000 and ask for a veteran's benefits counselor.

CHURCHES
Forked River Baptist Church
21 Haines St..
Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734
693-2726

Village Lutheran Church
701 Western Blvd.
Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734
693-1333
Reverend Linda Applegate
and Pastor Will Cotton
United Forked River Methodist Church
PO Box 151
Forked River, NJ 08731
693-5222
Reverend Terry Chapman
Forked River Presbyterian Church
131 N. Main St
Forked River, NJ 08731
693-5624
Pastor John Carhart
Lacey Christian Assembly
2206 Lacey Road
Forked River, NJ 08731
693-6288
Rev. Basznianin
St Pius X Catholic Church
Lacey Rd
Forked River, NJ 08731
693-5107

Vets Can Get Low Cost Drugs

by Florida Today's Jerry K. Freeman

Many older veterans have trouble paying for prescription medications. Veterans should know that free or low-cost prescription drugs are available through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

A prescription filled by the VA costs only $2 for a 30-day supply (disabled or low-income veterans can receive medications for free). This benefit is available to any man or woman who was honorably discharged from the military. (Veterans discharged after September 1980 must have at least two years of service.)

To take advantage of this benefit, a veteran must enroll with the VA and must be seen by a VA doctor (prescriptions written by private doctors cannot be filled through the VA). Veterans can visit doctors at VA hospitals or VA community-based clinics. There is a charge to visit a VA doctor, but insurance may cover this charge. (Disabled or low-income veterans can visit VA doctors free of charge.)

Once enrolled, veterans can receive prescription drugs at VA clinics, hospitals or through the VA mail-order pharmacy. The toll-free telephone number for the VA Health Benefits Service Center is (877) 222-8387. Representatives can answer questions, enroll veterans and provide the location of the nearest VA hospital or clinic.

Here in Ocean County we have the James J. Howard Community Clinic, 970 Route 70, Brick, NJ 08724 (732) 206-8900. For more information on VA programs, go to the Web site

THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE - FOR EXAMPLE, RECENT GOVERNMENT CUTS MAY JEOPARDIZE SOME VETERAN'S BENEFITS. THE WEBMASTER WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO KEEP ALL INFO UP TO DATE.