Long Branch proclaims September as Hunger Action Month, highlights Mercy Center service increases

The Long Branch City Council on Sept. 24 proclaimed September as Hunger Action Month and called attention to local food insecurity and the work of the Mercy Center. Mayor Pallone presented the proclamation at the start of the meeting. The proclamation notes that more than 7,000 individuals in Monmouth County, including residents of Long Branch, rely on the Mercy Center annually and that, in fiscal 2025, the Mercy Center provided 1,800,000 meals—200,000 more than fiscal 2024 and 700,000 more than fiscal 2023. The proclamation also quoted the federal poverty level cited in the text: $32,150 for a family of four in New Jersey and an estimate that about 10% of families live below that level. Council members and the former lieutenant governor in attendance emphasized the Mercy Center’s volunteer and outreach role. In presenting the proclamation, Mayor Pallone said the city is committed “to taking steps to raise awareness about the need to combat hunger” and called on residents to engage with local food pantry efforts. The proclamation is ceremonial and urges resident participation; no formal funding or ordinance was proposed at the meeting. The council moved on to other agenda items after recognizing the Mercy Center and the proclamation.