Food Drive Launched In Memory Of Late New Hope Councilwoman

LAMBERTVILLE, NJ — In recognition of the birthday of Union Chill Cannabis Company’s co-founder, Laurie McHugh, Union Chill is encouraging the public to support the Laurie McHugh Memorial Food Drive.

McHugh, a pillar of the community, an advocate for those in need, and a New Hope Borough Councilwoman, passed away tragically in a car accident in 2023. May 15 marks what would have been McHugh’s 59th birthday.

“Laurie was a visionary spirit who was passionate about helping her community and a tireless advocate for cannabis. We are all better for knowing her and continue to miss her tremendously,” said Matt Borish, vice president of marketing, Union Chill Cannabis Company. “Given Laurie’s love and commitment to her community, it’s a fitting tribute to honor what would have been her 59th birthday by raising $59,000 for Bucks County Housing Group, which will provide 59,000 meals for local families.”

As co-founder and CEO of Union Chill, McHugh led the work to bring high-quality, safe, adult-use cannabis to the area with Lambertville’s first dispensary, which she built on the foundation of community service, cannabis education and integrity.

In addition to leaving a lasting impact on New Jersey’s cannabis industry, McHugh’s legacy lives on across the New Hope and Lambertville communities.

For nearly a decade, McHugh served on the New Hope Borough Council, where she was liaison to the Shade Tree Commission and Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce and helped form the borough’s first Junior Council. She also co-founded the Bucks County Dragon Boat Association.

The Laurie McHugh Memorial Food Drive will be accepting donations through the end of May. All proceeds will go to food for families in Bucks County suffering from food insecurity. To donate, visit the donation website or mail a check to 620 Jacksonville Road, Suite 140, Warminster 18974, Attn: Beth Ann Rikk's and indicate “Laurie McHugh Memorial Food Drive” on the memo line.

BCHG is a Warminster-based non-profit that works to end food and housing insecurity across Bucks County and in local communities. Through its Food Program, which includes two pantries, two mobile market pantries and three community gardens, BCHG served more than 21,000 individuals in the last year. BHCG provided housing to 288 people through its Supportive Housing and Rapid Rehousing Programs, with 100 percent of all Supportive Housing clients moving to more stable housing options.