Food for Thought Joins United Way for the United for Impact Food Truck Festival

Wall Township, NJ – United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties (UWMOC) is teaming up with the nonprofit food truck Food for Thought by the Sea to serve meals and our community during the United for Impact Food Truck Festival – the first event of its kind for both organizations.

In partnership with DowntownFreehold.com, UWMOC is hosting the United for Impact Food Truck Festival on April 24, 2022 from 12pm-6pm on West Main Street in Freehold, NJ. Guests will enjoy great food, beer, vendors and live music from local bands The Joe Baracata Band, Eddie Testa Band and Step Aside. The suggested donation of $5.00 per person will help advance UWMOC’s mission to bridge the gaps to education, financial stability and health for every person in our community.

Food for Thought is one of nine food trucks that will be serving at the event, but the only one that is operating as a nonprofit. Based out of Asbury Park, which has an unemployment rate more than twice the national average, Food for Thought provides local youth and community members with work opportunities that will improve their skills and train them for future careers.

“Food for Thought is committed to uplifting our community through culinary arts, non-profit collaboration and workforce development,” said Mike Castellano, Executive Director of Food for Thought. “We are so thankful for the opportunity to partner with a like-minded organization such as United Way for the United for Impact Food Truck Festival. Together, we can continue improving and maintaining a good quality of life for our community."

United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties and Food for Thought were brought together by Tom Hayes, Director of Customer and Community Relations for New Jersey Natural Gas, who is engaged with both organizations and is the largest funder of the Food for Thought food truck.

“Food for Thought brings culinary education and hospitality training together with healthy eating, nonprofit support and exciting event opportunities,” said Mr. Hayes. “Both United Way and Food for Thought are working to help people looking to improve their lives while giving back to the community at various levels – I hope folks come out to enjoy what they and all the participants have to offer!”

For more information about the United for Impact Food Truck Festival, visit uwmoc.org/food-truck-festival.

About United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties

United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties mobilizes donors, volunteers and community partners to improve the lives of youth and their families. The organization works to ensure that every child is successful, every family is financially stable, and every community it serves is stronger. To learn more about United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, please visit uwmoc.org.

Marilyn Schlossbach