Somerset County Residents Can Help Curb Hunger

Freeholder Deputy Director Patricia Walsh and food bank supporters gathered at the Food Bank Network of Somerset County to kick off the 25th annual Curbing Hunger Month food drive.

“Although Somerset County is known for being affluent, the reality is that food insecurity for residents continues to be prevalent in our area,” said Freeholder Walsh. “Astoundingly, the Food Bank Network serves 24,000 residents each year.

“Since its inception, Curbing Hunger Inc. has collected and distributed more than 2.6 million pounds of food statewide, valued at over $4.1 million,” she said. “Our generous county residents have been instrumental in the success of the program.”

During the summer months, food supplies are traditionally low when school lunch programs close and there are no holiday food drives. Curbing Hunger is held in June to help alleviate this annual shortage.

Donations from Curbing Hunger will help boost food supplies at the Food Bank Network, at the Franklin Food Bank and other local food pantries that serve Somerset County residents.

The most-needed items are Parmalat milk, canned meat and fish, “meals-in-a-can” such as pasta, stews and meaty soups, canned tomato sauce, canned fruits, and peanut butter and jelly in plastic jars. Perishables and food in glass containers cannot be accepted. For ideas about healthy foods to donate, go to http://bit.ly/DonateHealthy

Donating is easy. Look for the orange plastic bag tied to the handle of your county recycling bin – or if you do not receive an orange bag, use any plastic grocery bag and write the word “food” on it. Place canned food donations in one or more bags at the curb on your regularly scheduled recycling collection days from June 3 through 28.

If you miss the pickup dates in June, curbside donations are collected year-round. Use any plastic grocery bag to place canned food at the curb on any of your recycling collection days http://bit.ly/RecycleSched2019 throughout the year.

“There is an easy online donation option for selecting and purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables to donate,” said Curbing Hunger Inc. Board President Chuck Knill. Visit www.CurbingHunger2019.org and the produce will be delivered directly to the local food bank by Amp Your Good, which is hosting the online drive. Follow the topic on social media at #GiveHealthy.

In 1995, Curbing Hunger began as a pilot program in Somerset County and since then has expanded to several other counties in New Jersey.

The Curbing Hunger campaign is a joint effort of the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Somerset County recycling center, county and municipal public works departments, the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and Curbing Hunger Inc.

Supporters of the program are MyCentralJersey.com and the Courier News, and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of Basking Ridge, a founding sponsor. This year’s sponsors include Affinity Credit Union, TrueLeaf Kitchens and PNC Wealth Management.

For more information check out this video: http://bit.ly/CurbingHungerVideo

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