Community Corner

Somerset County Library System Staff Nourishes Minds, Bodies During Pandemic Through Food And School Supplies Donation Drive

Library System staff donated approximately 1,000 pounds of food, 10 boxes of school supplies, and 100 backpacks to the organization.

(Credit: Somerset County Library System of New Jersey)

October 21st, 2020

A recent article from “The Wall Street Journal (This link opens in a new tab)” cited that approximately 1.2 million New Jersey residents cannot afford regular access to food, which is a “33 percent increase prior to the pandemic.” In response to this community need, staff from the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) donated non-perishable food items and school supplies to The Food Bank Network of Somerset County.

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“Libraries are all about sharing and I couldn’t be more proud to work with such a fine and generous staff,” said County Library Administrator Brian Auger. “The Library System’s drop-offs have been a reliable and significant source for the food bank for the last decade. Even during these trying times caused by the pandemic, Library staff rose to the occasion and made contributions from their own resources.”

Library System staff donated approximately 1,000 pounds of food, 10 boxes of school supplies, and 100 backpacks to the organization.

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“The Food Bank Network of Somerset County regularly services 350 families, but that number has nearly doubled this year due to the impact of the pandemic,” said SCLSNJ Operations Supervisor Edith Lit. “For the 10th year, SCLSNJ staff was able to continue the Library System’s mission to help those in need through their dedication to give back. Because of our staff’s donations, hundreds of families will have school supplies for their children and food on the table.”

The mission of The Food Bank Network of Somerset County (This link opens in a new tab) is “to distribute food and to provide other basic human needs to those less fortunate in our community in a manner which recognizes and advances self worth and human dignity.” For more information or to donate to The Food Bank Network of Somerset County visit somersetfoodbank.org (This link opens in a new tab).


This press release was produced by the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey. The views expressed are the author's own.