June 7: Food Service Award, Foodbank Distribution and Writer's Circle

Today should be mostly sunny with a high nearing 88 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. An air quality alert has been issued by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Below are some of today's local happenings:

1. Three Manchester elementary schools will be honored with the . The schools are the first in the state to receive this award from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. The presentation will be at 12 p.m. at Manchester Township Elementary School.

2. The Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties' mobile pantry will distribute canned vegetables, fruits, pasta sauce, peanut butter and jelly and more at 10 a.m. at the Lakehurst United Methodist Church, 204 Elm St. Call 732-918-2600 for more information.

3. The Writer's Circle will meet at  from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The group allows aspiring and accomplished writers to share tips and critique each other's works. Call 732-657-7600 for more information.

4. The Ocean County Office of Veterans Services and Workforce N.J.'s Veterans Assistance will be available to help vets from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. If you're a veteran who needs information on employment, health services and benefits, the County Connection in the Ocean County Mall may offer assistance. Call 732-288-7777 for more information.

5. The Friends of Lavallette Beautification will host a cooking demonstration led by Chef Greg Manning at 6 p.m. at Serenity Cafe, 2008 Route 37 East. Call 732-830-3301 for more information.