RED BANK, NJ — Tuesday — What began over 20 years ago as a modest neighborhood cookout has grown into a cornerstone event for Monmouth County families, with this year’s Lunch Break Annual Community Picnic drawing more than 1,000 people to Count Basie Fields on Saturday in a vibrant celebration of unity, service, and support.
Held from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the picnic honored the Red Bank Fire and Police Departments for their continued dedication to the community, while offering free meals, live music, games, and a competitive softball tournament that crowned Morgan Stanley as the 2025 champions. By 8 a.m., 30 families were already lined up to take part in the event — a powerful sign of how vital the day has become.
Organized by the nonprofit Lunch Break, the event also served as a back-to-school lifeline, distributing 581 filled backpacks to students in need — including 301 for elementary, 179 for middle school, and 101 for high schoolers. In total, more than 1,500 bags were donated or packed in the days leading up to the event, with remaining supplies scheduled to be distributed to local organizations, churches, and families who could not attend.
The event was also supported by over 30 nonprofits that provided health screenings, resources, and community services onsite, transforming the picnic into a one-stop resource hub. Participants had access to medical and wellness check-ins, employment services, and housing information.
Lunch Break’s own softball team reached the finals for the second year in a row, continuing to energize community engagement and friendly competition.
“This event has grown from 200 participants to over 1,000,” said Millie Jeter, Director of Administration for Lunch Break. “Seeing the joy in people’s faces as they receive backpacks, play games, or just enjoy the day reminds us why this event matters.”
Founded in Red Bank, Lunch Break provides food, clothing, and life skills services to those in need across Monmouth County and beyond. The Annual Community Picnic has become one of its most anticipated events, marking both the end of summer and a new start for families preparing for the school year.
Those still in need of school supplies can contact Fatima Carranza at [email protected] for assistance.
Key Points
- Over 1,000 attended Lunch Break’s 2025 Annual Community Picnic in Red Bank, celebrating two decades of service
- 581 school supply backpacks were distributed on-site, with over 1,500 donated in total
- Red Bank’s police and fire departments were honored; 30+ nonprofits provided health and social resources
What started in a parking lot has grown into a full-blown lifeline for hundreds of local families.