Eagle Scout's Ton of Love for Lunch Break

By Elaine Van Develde

You could say Fair Havenite Robert Michael Chen completed one of the most satiating Eagle Scout projects of all time.

He collected a literal ton of food and donated it to Lunch Break in Red Bank.

Yes, a ton of food — that's 2,000 pounds. And Fair Haven's governing body awarded the teen with a proclamation at its Monday night meeting for accomplishing the feat which earned him his Eagle Scout designation, the highest of Boy Scout awards that can be bestowed.

"His project had to be one of the best I've ever heard of," Mayor Ben Lucarelli said outside of the meeting. "This young man actually got a ton of food to those who need it. A ton of food, 2,000 pounds — that's a lot of mouths fed."

Chen managed a four-week-long drive that "engaged a large portion of Fair Haven's community" in collecting the estimated ton of canned goods, according to the proclamation. The food, after going to lunch break, was distributed to families in need out of the organization as well as those who lost their homes during Hurricane Sandy.

Lunch Break is currently accepting any donations available while concentrating on trying to obtain fresh garden vegetables for the summer intake as well. The staff there is also looking for volunteer help. Check the Patch boards for more details.

Fewer than 2 percent of all scouts achieve Eagle status.