Where to Turn if You’re Having Trouble Feeding Your Family

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If we didn’t realize it before the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s become perfectly clear as we live through it: when we threaten the basic needs of human beings, they get nervous. Early in this crisis, food went flying off the shelves at every grocery, big box, and online store before you even realized you were low on toilet paper.

For some of us, it’s not a problem. We’re lucky enough to have a freezer already stocked with meals to thaw and enjoy. But all of us at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center understand that not everyone has a full freezer or pantry to turn to. The cost of living in Monmouth County is high, and food insecurity - not having enough resources to meet one’s basic need for food - has been a problem for many years.

Help for the hungry

We can only assume that food insecurity has grown during the current crisis. We’re thinking of our patients who may have lost their jobs in the past few weeks. Please know that help is out there. For example, Fulfill New Jersey, located just minutes away from our podiatry offices in Howell and Jackson, can help children, families, and seniors find a local food pantry, enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and even find affordable health care. New Jersey Helps provides similar aid and also offers temporary cash assistance.

Donate to the cause

If you’re in a position to help fight hunger, especially during these days of social isolation, consider making a donation to or volunteering at an organization such as these:

Dr. Samantha Boyd, Dr. Hal Ornstein, Dr. Dan Phan, and Dr. Joseph Saka hope that you are staying home, staying safe, and getting the resources you need. We’re working reduced hours, but we’re still here for you if you have any questions or concerns, especially as they relate to your feet and ankles. Call us at (732) 905-1110 or contact us online.