In New Jersey, a veteran is taking significant strides to combat food insecurity through his role at Fulfill, a food bank serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Jon Rowe, who transitioned from military service to civilian life, is now the Vice President of Operations at Fulfill, where he applies his leadership skills to address hunger in the community.
Key Takeaways
- Jon Rowe, a veteran, is now VP of Operations at Fulfill, a food bank in New Jersey.
- Fulfill is part of Feeding America, distributing millions of meals annually.
- The organization focuses on providing nutritious food and support services to those in need.
The Journey From Military to Non-Profit
Jon Rowe’s journey began after he graduated college in 2008 and joined the U.S. Navy, serving two tours in Afghanistan. After leaving the military in 2014, he worked in various corporate roles before finding his calling in the non-profit sector with Fulfill in 2022.
Rowe expressed that the appeal of working for a non-profit organization lies in the opportunity to use his skills for a charitable purpose. He stated, "There is something more to it when you use your talent to achieve what we achieve at Fulfill."
Fulfill’s Mission and Impact
Fulfill operates as part of Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks. In New Jersey, it has a main operations center in Neptune and a satellite location in Toms River. The organization is dedicated to fighting hunger by distributing food and providing resources to those in need.
In 2024, Fulfill achieved remarkable results:
- Collected and distributed 17.1 million pounds of food, equating to 14.1 million meals.
- Ensured that 67% of the food distributed was protein, dairy, or produce, exceeding their goal of 61%.
Fulfill supports nearly 300 food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens, including programs specifically for veterans and active-duty military personnel.
Comprehensive Support Services
Beyond food distribution, Fulfill offers various support services to help clients improve their circumstances:
- Resource Connections Group: Assists clients in accessing SNAP benefits.
- Job Training Program: Provides skills training and internships.
- Culinary Arts Program: Prepares meals for veterans and offers culinary training.
Rowe’s Leadership Philosophy
As VP of Operations, Rowe oversees food procurement, facility management, and distribution activities. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and teamwork, skills he honed during his military service. Rowe believes in the power of education and outreach to increase food donations and expand Fulfill’s reach in the community.
"We have ambitious goals to increase the amount of product donated," Rowe said. "We want to grow those donors through education and new channels."
Looking Ahead
Rowe’s vision for Fulfill includes expanding warehouse facilities and improving service delivery in southern Ocean and eastern Monmouth counties. His commitment to fighting food insecurity reflects a broader movement in New Jersey to ensure that no one goes hungry.
Through his leadership, Jon Rowe exemplifies how veterans can continue to serve their communities in impactful ways, turning their experiences into a force for good in the fight against food insecurity.
