Devils Annual Food Drive Exceeds Fundraising Goal for Community

NEWARK, NJ -- ‘Tis the season for giving and the New Jersey Devils are once again leading the way as they announced on Thursday a donation of over 70,000 pounds of food and over 2,000 meals to community organizations around Newark and northern New Jersey through donations of countless fans and its partnership with Goya, the largest Hispanic food company in the United States. The food raised through the drive was donated to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, the largest anti-hunger and anti-poverty organization in New Jersey.

Meanwhile, the Prudential Center has established a new partnership with Transfernation, a food rescue service that collects cooked and unserved food for homeless, low-income and others in need. The Prudential Center’s alliance with Transfernation marks the first arena to partner with the non-profit organization, which has already donated over 1,881 pounds of food. The collective effort began on October 11th with Legends, Prudential Center’s official hospitality partner.

The beneficiaries selected for 2018-19 season include Integrity House, Catholic Charities of the Archdioceses of Newark, St. John’s Soup Kitchen and Goodwill Rescue Mission/The Bowery Mission.

“This is the time of year as an organization, we really ask ourselves what more can we do to help benefit our local communities?” explained Jeff Scott, Vice President of Community Investment and Grassroots for the New Jersey Devils. “To be able to have incredible partners such as Transfernation and Goya, who share our passion for servicing those in need, truly allows us to elevate our efforts in making a difference in the communities where we live, work, and play. As an organization, that is something we are very proud of.”

Exceeding last season’s collection numbers, this year’s food drive presented by Goya has directly affected thousands of local community members in need. Later this year, as part of their annual Day of Service, Goya, New Jersey Devils, and Prudential Center employees, along with Devils Alumni members, will volunteer their time to sort and pack a portion of the 40,000-pound donation at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. The bagged meals will then be distributed to Newark families in need.

Transfernation’s idea began in a New York University dorm room between two college juniors, Hannah Dehradunwala and Samir Goel, after learning of the incredible amounts of excess food being thrown away after campus events. What started as an on-campus movement has expanded to 28 contractors and 16 community organizations throughout the tri-state area.

The partnership has enhanced New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center’s relationships with the selected beneficiaries creating more opportunities for employees to volunteer which, contributes to the company wide Give 82, presented by United Airlines, community service initiative.

Editor's Note: The New Jersey Devils provided and authorized the use of all photos in this story.