(Thorofare) – Hunger is a bigger issue in Gloucester County than many realize. Over 200,000 South Jersey residents suffer from food insecurity. Many families are facing the difficult decision of putting healthy food on the table or taking care of other financial obligations, such as paying the bills. These families could be your neighbors, colleagues, or relatives.
Local food pantries serve as a safety net for individuals and families who face this situation. Now that food pantry shelves are depleted after the holiday season, our neighbors need your help to stock the shelves with food to reduce hunger in South Jersey.
The United Way of Gloucester County, the Board of County Commissioners-County of Gloucester-Human Service Advisory Board and the People for People Foundation have once again joined together to hold the 14th annual “Gloucester County Cares about Hunger” food drive from Monday, February 22nd to Sunday, February 28th 2021. The food drop off will be held at the United Way of Gloucester County, 454 Crown Point Road in Thorofare, on Monday, March 1st between 9:30 am and 2 pm.
“We at the United Way of Gloucester County believe it is critical to coordinate and participate in this annual food drive to help food insecure families’ right here in Gloucester County,” said Michael Gower, Executive Director of the United Way of Gloucester County. “We are asking for your help to make an impact in the lives of food-insecure individuals and families as the need for meals has increased during the past year.”
Since 2006, 220,258 pounds of food have been collected through the annual food drive. Last year, 15,347 meals were provided to local residents, thanks to the 63 local businesses, organizations, municipalities, schools and individuals who participated.
Organizations can support the effort by hosting food collections and encouraging their employees, customers, and students to participate.
Preferred items include: canned tuna, chicken, corned beef, ham, salmon, whole grain breakfast cereals, oatmeal, granola bars, pancake mix, peanut butter, canned or dry beans, peanuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, canned vegetables, fruits, soups, stews, chili, fruit cups, applesauce, dried fruit, canned 100% fruit juices, canned and shelf-stable dairy products, rice, pastas, and macaroni and cheese dinners. Please, no glass bottles or jars. We are also asking for personal hygiene items that are in high demand during this time.
Donations of pet food (cans or 15-pound bags or less) will also be accepted. Last year, roughly 280 pounds of pet food was donated and distributed to Gloucester County Animal Shelter.
Employers, non-profits, social groups, schools, retail stores, etc. interested in participating are asked to contact Nicole Morse at the United Way of Gloucester County, 856-845-4303 ext. 13 or nmorse@uwgcnj.org. Individuals who wish to make food and/or monetary donations can bring the items to the United Way of Gloucester County’s office at 454 Crown Point Road, Thorofare, New Jersey 08086 on Monday, March 4th between 9:30 am and 2 pm.
For additional information on the food drive or the United Way of Gloucester County’s activities, visit uwgcnj.org or email Nicole Morse at nmorse@uwgcnj.org.
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