Picture Source: Gwen Love
Dear readers, I am thrilled to announce that this month's featured personality in the relaunched Echo's July 2024 Black Beauty is Mrs. Gwen Love, the esteemed Executive Director of Lunch Break, a remarkable nonprofit organization dedicated to providing food and care to local community members near and far. In her exclusive interview with the Echo, Mrs. Love offers insight into the profound history of Lunch Break. She delves into the driving force behind the Lunch Break team's unwavering commitment to assist those grappling with the challenges of a constantly evolving economic landscape in New Jersey since the 1980s.
Karen Brittingham-Edmond Publisher /Editor relaunched Echo.
Per Mrs. Love,
" Lunch Break was started in 1983 by approximately 30+ concerned citizens in Red Bank and the surrounding areas to address the growing issue of food insecurity of local residents. Mrs. Norma Todd was part of that group and was ultimately chosen as the executive director. She served as the first executive director for 25 years before her passing in April 2008. It was after her passing later in the year that I was hired and started in October 2008. I was drawn to Lunch Break because it provides the opportunity to be close to those we serve. I see the need for the mission and appreciate the culture of treating everyone with respect and dignity. When I started, I saw potential for Lunch Break to grow and provide more programs, especially programs that could empower those served, and I wanted to be a part of that process."
The Relaunched Echo:
"Can you tell us about your organization's specific food-related programs and initiatives?"
Mrs. Love:
"Lunch Break provides the following programs and services free of charge.
The Community Kitchen offers a Continental breakfast and lunch 6 days a week, Friday night Community dinners, a hot breakfast on Saturday, Thanksgiving dinner, and Christmas brunch.
Our meal delivery outreach program provides meals at locations throughout Monmouth County, including the NJ Blind Citizens Association, the warming/cooling center at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Red Bank, the Pan American motel in Eatontown for displaced individuals living in temporary housing, and meals for families sheltering in hotel rooms through our Family Promise of Monmouth County Program.
Volunteers deliver hot meals to home-bound seniors in Red Bank, Middletown, and Monmouth Beach. Meal delivery, including holidays, is offered six days a week, 52 weeks a year. The Mobile Community Garden Market delivers fresh produce and dairy products every Thursday to six alternating low-income senior housing facilities to ensure access to fresh, seasonal produce.
Your Choice Pantry distributes fresh produce, dairy products, staple food items, personal care products, and baby care products six days a week, with extended evening hours once a week. The Board of Trustees adopted a Nutrition Policy four years ago to ensure Lunch Break's commitment to provide healthy, nutritious meals and pantry options. Our Health & Wellness Program offers guidance on affordable, nutritious meals and promotes physical, social, and emotional well-being for the community.
The Relaunched Echo: What challenges have you faced in providing food to the community, and how have you overcome them?
Mrs. Love: Just in general the cost of living in New Jersey is 13% higher than the national average. When it comes to necessities such as food, groceries are around 4% higher than the rest of the country. Since January, our Community Kitchen has served 60,825 meals, a 30% increase year-to-date for 2023. The food pantry has seen a 66% increase in food pickups since January, with a total of 14,779 pickups recorded year-to-date for 2024. We expect the increased demand to continue through 2024 as more individuals and families affected by the rising cost of food face more challenges in meeting basic needs.
The only way we overcome these challenges is to continue to reach out to the community for their financial support, to conduct food drives to help stock our shelves so we can accommodate the increase of people coming for food. This isn't just for Lunch Break to solve, it's neighbors helping neighbors and we have always been very blessed to be in such a supportive community that steps up to help those in need.
Relaunched Echo: Can you share a particularly impactful or inspiring story about your organization's efforts to provide food to the local Monmouth County community?
Mrs. Love: "When the directives came down to close everything because of COVID, we knew we could not close, and we didn't. Lunch Break never closed, and we never missed a day to distribute hot meals or groceries. We developed our plan in one day on how the "new" Lunch Break would operate in order to continue our mission. The staff and volunteers worked hard to make all the changes needed with signs, ordering needed supplies, etc., and we held our regular service up until the Saturday when everything had to be changed. The following Monday, the "new" Lunch Break was still providing our food service, handing out the meals, giving out coffee, pantry food, etc.
Shanea
In 2021, Shanea, a 28-year-old single mother, was at risk of becoming homeless. With the help of Family Promise and Lunch Break, she worked tirelessly to find housing for herself and her children. Shanea was offered groceries from the food pantry, meals from the Community Kitchen, clothing for herself and three children, and supportive services to regain her independence. Finally, in April 2023, her efforts paid off as she received a Section 8 voucher, ending her search for a home. Additionally, she participated in the Life Skills program and received guidance from her volunteer coach. Despite facing transportation challenges, she eventually secured a job as an Activity Aide in a senior care facility, where she plans various activities to enhance the lives of elderly residents. She assists residents on Game Day and participates in various exercise activities. Shanea takes pride in being there to help the residents in any way possible. It's not just a job but also her way of giving back. Shanea is especially thankful to her Life Skills Coach for supporting and guiding her, even when she couldn't see her own potential. Her coach is a constant and encouraging presence, which Shanea credits for her persistence in finding employment. Her journey reflects her resilience and dedication to improving her family's life.
The Relaunched Echo: What brings you joy and comfort to help you relax and de-stress?
Mrs. Love: Anytime I am around my children and grandchildren is a good time for me. I'm starting yoga, bike riding and walking.
Relaunched Echo: Black girls and boys need role models who share wholesome attributes because it helps them see themselves represented in positive ways. When Black boys and girls see role models who embody integrity, kindness, intelligence, and resilience, it reinforces the idea that these attributes are achievable and worthy of aspiration. What words of inspiration would you like to share to inspire Black boys and girls to reach for the stars despite the obstacles of systematic racism?
Mrs. Love:
I think it would be good for those of us who are seasoned to share our earlier struggles, especially from those who may look successful in the eyes of the youth. It's crucial for us to remember that we didn't start out with what we have today. They only see the car, house, and position we have today, but we've all had many struggles and setbacks along the way, and I think there is value in sharing our stories in order to help them see that even through the challenges and struggles, we have to persevere.
Mrs. Love recommends:
There is value in hard work, ethics, being respectful to others and expecting respect back, be mindful of the company you keep and what you put out on social media. Educate yourself on how to manage, save, and invest money early on and commit to financial discipline. Whether you go to college, a trade school, or open a business, keep learning!
Relaunched Echo:
What an inspiring, soulful treat it has been to interview the one and only Mrs. Gwen Love. The relaunched Echo's Black Beauty for the month of July 2024!
Sista Love shared that her favorite hymn is "Changed" by Walter Hawkins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPCSo5B2ljo -
Sista Love's favorite scripture" is
Romans 5:8: "But God commendeth His love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."
And her favorite quote: "Be the change you want to see in the world," Gandhi
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