Lunch Break Inc

“The 990 has been reviewed by the board prior to filing”

“The governance committee of the board of trustees reviews and monitors compliance with the conflicts of interest policy on an annual basis and as issues arise.”

“The board evaluates the executive director annually. Compensation is determined based upon performance, budget and data obtained from comparable nonprofit organizations.”

“The organization makes information available for public inspection upon written request.”

“Food operations continued: client choice pantry in 2021, lunch break also experienced effects from the covid-19 pandemic in the numbers of food- and financially-insecure community members who were impacted health-wise and financially because of economic uncertainties. More middle-income families and individuals had to decide between affording food or housing expenses. Lunch break has experienced an unprecedented demand for food from our client choice pantry since the pandemic took hold. In 2021 the pantry saw 19,412 total grocery pickups. 12,413 meals were delivered to the homebound. Our non-food supplies budget was exceeded by 15.5% in 2021. Soup kitchen and meal services: in keeping with our mission of caring for the health and safety of our community, especially our most vulnerable population, lunch break continued to modify certain procedures for its nutrition programs and social services. No one is turned away from the soup kitchen and breakfast and lunch grab-and-go and in-house meals are served free of charge, six days a week. Grab-and-go and in-house community dinners are served once a week, on fridays. In 2021, a total of 89,351 meals were served.”

“Social services continued: backpack program: the program was modified in 2021 to comply with covid-19 pandemic restrictions. 1,362 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to students so they would be prepared for the new school year. Children's cooking class: "cooking with my hero": our tuition-free cooking classes were offered to young local boys and girls 5-12 years old to learn the fundamentals of culinary services with a master chef hired by lunch break. Prior to the pandemic, the lunch break kids cooking class was held on site. The team of junior sous chefs not only learned the fundamentals of cooking and nutrition, but prepared delicious creations for lunch break's breakfast and lunch on thursdays. In compliance with covid-19 safety guidelines, a virtual format, "cooking with my hero, replaced in person classes. 67 students participated in these virtual sessions. The online cooking sessions featured a special family member teaching a family-favorite dish. Clothing program: consists of clara's closet, outreach program and suit up. It's essential to have the proper attire for every occasion and we assist families and individuals from infants to adults who are in need of clothing for school, weddings, proms or job interviews. In 2021 62 individuals received interview clothing through the suit up program. Our outreach program distributed 700 bags of clothing, coats and shoes, to those in need in monmouth county and beyond. 2,892 individuals received clothing on an as-needed basis. Community health and social services partnership series: this is a partnership with community organizations, resources, and public institutions whose goal is to ensure access to health and social services. Twice monthly, lunch break provides an open invitation to our partnering agencies to provide their services, intake and outreach to our clients in the dining room. Many agencies such as affordable housing alliance, parker family health center, vna, legal aid and many others take advantage of this opportunity to visit our clients on-site at lunch break. In 2021, 14 agencies visited lunchbreak. Holiday toy program: prior to the covid-19 pandemic, this program provided the opportunity for families who have pre-registered their children with lunch break, the experience of "shopping" for gifts in the beautiful tower hill fellowship hall. Lunch break staff work with donors to solicit the gifts and the tower hill volunteers set up the gift stations and the families shop based on the size and age of their children. In compliance with pandemic safety guidelines, lunch break provided 1,295 holiday gift cards to families for a memorable holiday in 2021. Womyn's worth: this is a staff-initiated support group for women that was born out of a mother's day breakfast for women who were in need of fellowship. This program has lifted up the spirits of these ladies by offering friendship and thought-provoking programs including journaling, yoga, outings, financial education, health and wellness support, nutrition discussions, workshops and guest speakers. In 2021, participants met virtually two mornings each month in remote workshop and fellowship sessions. The attendance ranged from 5-10 at any given session. Warming center: lunch break proudly collaborates with the o.e.m. Of monmouth county, pilgrim baptist church and jbj soul kitchen in red bank to provide meals and other services to the local warming center for men, which is operated by the pilgrim baptist church during the fall and winter code blue season and for resource days. We provided over 155 meals in 2021. Volunteer program: all of this was possible during the covid-19 pandemic through the dedication of front-line volunteers, who donated 24,652 hours in 2021 to help run our programs and services in various capacities. We could not provide these services and programs without the support of our volunteers who are full of passion for our mission, hardworking and committed. Renew the promise”

“Life skills continued while the pandemic was a challenge, the team tackled it head on, by modifying one-on-one coaching sessions to a virtual format. In 2021, the monthly average was 122 participants. 30 participants were placed in jobs and there were 171 referrals to other agencies and 1,237 coaching sessions. Also benefiting from the virtual format, english as a second language (esl) classes saw an increase in participants. Previous to the pandemic, three in-person classes were held on monday nights at the life skills center. Once social-distancing protocols were mandated, the classes began meeting virtually using zoom to connect with students. This format made it easier for those with child care and transportation issues to participate. The program also partnered with the monmouth day care center, offering esl classes to parents. This resulted in additional sessions on tuesdays via zoom. In 2021 there were 18-20 attendees on average each month and 133 classes. In addition, the life skills program team put together a curriculum of zoom classes featuring advice from experts in financial, wellness, job skills and technical fields.”

“Family promise net assets merged into lunch break in 2021. 961,183.”

“The audit committee assumes responsibility and oversight for the annual audit. This process has not changed in the current year.”