DONATIONS NEEDED FOR 65 FOOD PANTRIES IN NORTH JERSEY 23rd ACTION AGAINST HUNGER(TM) FOOD DRIVE READY TO HELP, OCT. 5, 2014

WOODLAND PARK, N.J., Sept. 18, 2014 — North Jersey food pantries are hoping the 23rd Annual Action Against Hunger™ Food Drive scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, from noon to 4 p.m., is the answer to their prayers to help fill their shelves with food for those in need. The pantry directors are reporting that they are seeing record numbers of poor, seniors and middle-income families requiring food assistance throughout the state. The food drive provides a chance for food donations to be made at over 100 locations across north Jersey, including most local supermarkets. Cash donations can be mailed or made online. The annual food drive is presented by the North Jersey Media Group Foundation.

Although the economy is picking up, there are many individuals and families still struggling to put food on their tables, given the recession and rising food prices from severe weather conditions. In addition, the federal assistance cuts that began last November are having a major impact on the 1.2 million people in New Jersey who are considered food-insecure.[i]

“To reuse a quote that has great meaning in this situation, it really takes a village to make others’ lives livable. Without the help of the thousands of unsung heroes who participate in this program annually, many of our neighbors would go hungry,” says Jennifer Borg, vice president and general counsel of North Jersey Media Group and president of the North Jersey Media Group Foundation. “Last year’s generosity was outstanding, but again this year we need your help. It doesn’t matter how it’s done — a cash donation, organizing a neighborhood pick-up, bringing canned goods to a party for the host to donate, or initiating a food drive within your house of worship, civic group or work to support the cause — we ask that you participate any way you can to help fight hunger.”

Community food banks are a lifeline for those in need. The lead emergency food agencies benefiting from Action Against Hunger™ explained that they provided over 153,000 people with 2.9 million pounds of food last year alone. These agencies include Center for Food Action, Bergen County; CUMAC/ECHO, Passaic County; MEND, Essex County; and the Interfaith Food Pantry, Morris County. They reach those in need through a network of 65 pantries that assist local residents.

How to Help

To help, monetary donations and food contributions can be made at more than 100 locations across north Jersey, including most local supermarkets. Donations can also be made online at ActionAgainstHunger.com or mailed to North Jersey Media Group Foundation, P.O. Box 75, Hackensack, NJ 07602-9192.

The most-needed items include nonperishable nutritious foods such as canned vegetables, meats, fish and fruits; hearty soups and stews; pasta; white and brown rice; peanut butter; enriched cereals; oatmeal, pancake mix, and powdered or evaporated milk; 100 percent fruit juice; baby formula; and low-sugar and low-sodium foods for those with special dietary needs. Organizers request that no glass containers or outdated items be donated.

Tax-deductible cash donations pack a powerful punch because food pantries buy in bulk. For example, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey reports, “For every $1.00 in our operating budget, we provide close to $10.00 worth of food to the hungry.”

For more information about the drive, drop-off sites and how you can help, please visit ActionAgainstHunger.com, or call 973-569-7683.

Action Against Hunger™ has helped feed the hungry in north Jersey since 1991, when The Record launched its first food drive in response to needs identified from reports in the newspaper. The initiative has grown over the years, and the food drive now encompasses four counties in north Jersey. It is supported by the complete publishing family of North Jersey Media Group, including The Record; Herald News; 45 weekly publications such as The Ridgewood News, Montclair Times and Nutley Sun; (201) and numerous magazines; and NorthJersey.com.

Sponsors include 1010 WINS, A&P, Foodtown, Hackensack University Medical Center, Kings, Pathmark, Scott Graphics, ShopRite and Stop&Shop.

About North Jersey Media Group Foundation

The North Jersey Media Group Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing charitable funding and services to make a significant difference in the lives of North Jersey residents.

About North Jersey Media Group
North Jersey Media Group (NJMG) is an independent, family-owned media company providing local news, information and services to the residents of north Jersey. The company is best known for its flagship daily newspaper, The Record. NJMG also publishes the Herald News, more than 40 community newspapers and a family of glossy magazines, including the popular (201), Bergen County’s first and only monthly magazine. All the publications contribute breaking news, features, columns and local information to NorthJersey.com. The company also owns Bergen.com, showcasing the people, places and events that make Bergen County unique.

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HEAR FROM ONE OF THE LEAD LOCAL EMERGENCY FOOD PROVIDING AGENCIES:

Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry

“During the first six months of 2014, the Interfaith Food Pantry distributed almost 443,000 pounds of food, which fed more than 6,000 people in Morris County. So far this year we’ve already enrolled 338 new families who have fallen on hard times — those who have lost jobs, experienced illness or loss, or are working but just not earning enough to cover all their expenses. With the support of a generous community we’ve managed to expand our operating hours to accommodate everyone. We have yet to turn anyone away, but keeping the shelves fully stocked is always a challenge. Annually the Action Against Hunger™ Food Drive helps us tremendously, as the entire community seems to mobilize with contributions large and small to prepare for the busy winter months.”

Carolyn Lake, Director, Community Relations & Development, Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry

[i] http://feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/hunger-studies/map-the-meal-gap/~/media/Files/a-map-2012/overall%20reports/NJ_AllCountiesMMG_2012.ashx