A Community in Action
Observing National POW/ MIA Recognition Day “You are not forgotten.” Those words are emblazoned on the POW-MIA flag. Each year, the third Friday of September is designated as National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and that flag and those words receive the attention they deserve all year. More than 80,000 U.S. service members who served from World War II to present day are still listed as missing in action. That includes more than 1,500 service members missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War, including 40 from New Jersey. “I can only imagine the pain their family and friends must feel as they await news of their loved one, with the days and weeks turning into months, years, and decades,” said Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, who spoke at the annual POW/MIA Recognition Day Vigil held in Metuchen’s Memorial Park. The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 233 of New Jersey has hosted the vigil for more than 30 years. “For those who were prisoners of war or who are still missing in action, this day and this vigil are reminders of their service and sacrifice ― and the debt of gratitude we owe them,” Rios said. “We will remain steadfast in our commitment to them and to all our service members.”
Fighting Hunger at Home
September was Hunger Action Month, and REPLENISH mobilized its network of partners to educate, empower, and engage residents to help others facing food insecurity. Led by Director Jennifer Apostol, REPLENISH is the only food distribution organization in New Jersey entirely run by county government, a structure that allows REPLENISH to serve more people and support more food pantries in Middlesex County. This Hunger Action Month, REPLENISH stressed education and best practices to help residents in need. “We’re not just collecting food, we’re educating too, and this year we added a few new story time locations for children and a food drive for those at the senior health and fitness walk,” Apostol said. “We want to increase people’s awareness and get them involved in donating food and advocating for programs to support the food insecure.” One of her favorite events this year was their cooking demonstration with Share Your Foodways, a program that teaches people creative ways to make quality, healthy meals at a lower cost.
Director of REPLENISH Jennifer Apostol at the Share Your Foodways Cooking Demonstration
“The cooking demonstration we added with Share Your Foodways highlighted some of the unique things or shelf-stable items we receive, and created healthy dishes with them,” she said. “It’s a great program that teaches folks how to cook certain items, and the history and cultural significance behind them.” Food insecurity generally hides in plain sight, affecting neighbors, friends, or other familiar faces. REPLENISH is a lifeline to many County residents. This year, Apostol stressed that food insecurity can happen to anyone, with many people just one life event away from skipping meals. “The first thing to go is food, and parents won’t eat to ensure that their kids have a meal, seniors have to make difficult choices between medication and putting food on the table,” she said. “If you need help, you should feel free to stop by a food pantry, which is often the first entry point into the social service system to connect people to other resources and get the support and assistance that you need.” For information about food assistance, or to donate to or volunteer with REPLENISH, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov and search for “REPLENISH.”
Commissioner Director Rios with Marine Corps veteran
Middlesex College’s Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning programs are an open invitation to anyone who wants to pursue a passion, acquire new skills, or gain knowledge about a subject. Broaden Your Horizons Culinary | Guitar | Ceramics | Cryptocurrency | Line Dancing | Retirement Strategies ESL | Mental Health Technician | Human Resource Management Certification Find these courses and more…
Chef Sanketa Vaish with Chef Carolina Moratti
SCAN TO ACCESS FOOD RESOURCES
Visit middlesexcollege.edu/workforce-development to view available courses.
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4 Your Middlesex | 2023 Issue 3
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