By PETE WALTON
An unofficial food assistance project which began in Neptune City during the coronavirus pandemic has ceased operations, at least for the time being.
The so-called “blessing box” was operating on borough property near the Neptune City Community Center.
“Following a recent inspection by the Monmouth County Department of Health, the Blessing Box was notified it would be required to submit an approved Retail Food Establishment application to continue operating in its current context,” Mayor Rachel McGreevy said in an open letter to residents. “As a result, the borough has requested that the Blessing Box cease operations, effective immediately. Although the Blessing Box is not affiliated with the borough, it is located on borough property, and therefore requires the borough to comply with the Department of Health.”
McGreevy noted that the nearby Bradley Food Pantry is an independent organization with a lease in commercial space on Third Avenue.
“The Blessing Box closure has no relation to the independent operation of the Bradley Food Pantry,” the mayor said.
“I have been personally very supportive of the blessing box,” McGreevy told The Coaster. “We are ready to do anything we can to help the blessing box with the transition.”
“We appreciate the ongoing generosity and partnership of volunteers and residents to foster a caring community,” the mayor said in her letter. “We look forward to working with residents to continue to support neighbors in need.”
McGreevy invited anyone with questions to contact the borough at 732-776-7224.