With Thanksgiving just around the corner, organizations, churches, businesses, and volunteers throughout Ocean County are working to make sure local families have food on the table for the holiday.

For many households, the rising cost of groceries can make preparing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner difficult. Fortunately, local food pantries and community organizations are stepping up to provide assistance, collect donations, and help families enjoy a holiday meal.

From turkey donations and Thanksgiving food baskets to grocery assistance and community food drives, there are several ways Ocean County residents can give back or find help this November.

Local Thanksgiving Food Drive Helping Families in Southern Ocean County

One of the local efforts taking place this year is being organized by The Wildcat Shack, which is asking residents, businesses, and community organizations to help provide Thanksgiving meals for eight families in need.

The organization is collecting food and holiday essentials to put together complete Thanksgiving baskets for families who have requested assistance.

Some of the most-needed items include:

• Turkeys and hams
• Instant mashed potatoes
• Canned yams and marshmallows
• Stuffing mix
• Cranberry sauce
• Applesauce
• French-fried onions
• Eggs, milk, and butter
• Juice, coffee, and tea
• Brownie and cookie mixes
• Disposable roasting pans

Monetary donations are also welcome and will be used to purchase remaining items needed to complete the holiday baskets.

Residents interested in helping are encouraged to contact The Wildcat Shack before dropping off refrigerated or frozen items because storage space is limited.

Donation deadline: November 11, 2026

Contact: wildcatshack@prsdnj.org

Call or text: 609-709-6549

Monetary donations can also be made through Venmo at @the-cat-shack.

Ocean County Food Pantries Providing Assistance

For residents who need help putting groceries on the table, several food pantries throughout Ocean County provide assistance throughout the year.

Here are some local resources worth knowing about:

Fulfill – People’s Pantry, Toms River

Located at 1769 Hooper Avenue in Toms River, Fulfill’s People’s Pantry helps connect local residents with food assistance and other resources.

The organization works throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties to address food insecurity and support families facing difficult circumstances.

Address: 1769 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ
Phone: 732-731-1417

The HOPE Center – Toms River

The HOPE Center provides assistance to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, including access to food and other essential resources.

The organization serves as an important community resource for Ocean County residents who need a helping hand.

Address: 253 Chestnut Street, Toms River, NJ
Phone: 732-341-4447

Lacey Food Bank – Forked River

Residents in Lacey Township and surrounding communities can also turn to the Lacey Food Bank for grocery assistance.

The food bank provides food distribution and relies on community support and donations to help local households.

Address: 102 Station Drive, Forked River, NJ
Phone: 609-242-2848

St. Barnabas Pantry – Bayville

St. Barnabas Pantry is another resource for residents in the Berkeley Township and Bayville area.

The pantry provides food assistance to individuals and families who need help with groceries.

Address: 33 Woodland Road, Bayville, NJ
Phone: 732-269-2208

St. Mary’s Pantry – Barnegat

Southern Ocean County residents can also check with St. Mary’s Pantry in Barnegat for food assistance.

Address: 747 West Bay Avenue, Barnegat, NJ
Phone: 609-698-7477

Saint Francis Community Center – Long Beach Island

Saint Francis Community Center has offered Thanksgiving food baskets containing a turkey and ingredients for a holiday meal to qualifying individuals and families in its service area.

Its 2026 registration period was listed as September 30 through November 7, so families who missed registration should contact the center to ask about other available assistance.

Address: 4700 Long Beach Boulevard, Long Beach Township, NJ
Phone: 609-494-8861

How Ocean County Residents Can Help

There are many ways to make a difference for families experiencing food insecurity this Thanksgiving.

Even a small contribution can help an organization provide groceries or complete a holiday food basket.

Some ways to get involved include:

• Donate frozen turkeys or hams to organizations currently accepting them.
• Purchase canned vegetables, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and other Thanksgiving staples.
• Organize a food drive at your workplace, school, or neighborhood.
• Make a monetary donation to a local food pantry.
• Volunteer to sort, package, or distribute food.
• Share information about local food assistance programs with neighbors who may need help.

Before donating, contact the organization to confirm which items are needed, where donations can be delivered, and whether frozen food can be accepted.

Need Help Finding Food Assistance in Ocean County?

Residents who are unsure where to turn for help can contact NJ 211, a free resource that connects individuals and families with local food pantries, meal programs, and other essential services.

Call 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 to find food assistance in your area.

Residents can also contact Fulfill at 732-918-2600 for help locating food resources throughout Ocean County.

A Little Kindness Can Make a Big Difference

Thanksgiving is about more than turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. It’s also a time to remember neighbors who may be struggling and to find ways to give back to the community.

Throughout Ocean County, local organizations and volunteers are working to make the holiday a little brighter for families who need extra support.

Whether it’s donating a turkey, purchasing a few cans of food, volunteering your time, or making a monetary contribution, every act of generosity can make a difference.