Drop a Can to Help Food Banks

A blue bin next to the service windows at Green Brook's municipal building invites residents to contribute to the county's ongoing “Buy One, Bring One” food collection program.

Typically, local food banks run lowest on supplies during the summer months, as many residents are away. This year, however, the county has made an extra push to encourage residents to donate canned goods andpersonal care itemsby dropping them in the bins.  

The program has collected more than 12,000 pounds of donations since she launched it two years ago.

“This monthly food collection program benefits needy families countywide and is desperately needed during the summer months, when other donations have dropped off sharply,” Freeholder Director Pat Walsh, of Green Brook, said. “We’ve added a number of library locations to make it more convenient to donate.” 

In addition to Green Brook's municipal building, donation bins can be found in the North Plainfield and Warren Township Libraries.

The program welcomes canned or boxed food items, bath soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo and toilet paper. 

Although the targeted collection schedule is the third Friday of every month, the bins are available every day, so donations may be dropped off at any time during regular business hours at all locations.