National “Stamp Out Hunger” Campaign Attracting Widespread Community Help
Pennsauken, NJ, May 09, 2013 --(PR.com)-- The easiest way to donate non perishable food to the hungry has just arrived. And it’s just feet from your front door. The nation’s largest single day food drive is being held on Saturday, May 11, 2013. South Jersey residents can leave bags of non perishable foods at their mailbox and the bags will be picked up by neighborhood postal carriers along with the mail. The food is then brought to postal hub locations where the Food Bank of South Jersey makes arrangements to secure and distribute the food to those who are hungry. Postal letter carriers and Food Bank volunteers are urging local residents to “Do it for South Jersey!”
“If there’s an easier way to feed your neighbor, I sure don’t know what it is,” explains Val Traore, the Food Bank CEO. “You don’t even have to leave your home.” The massive project to feed the hungry will be getting help this year from AARP and Campbell Soup Company who are donating grocery bags and reminder postcards to families all across Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties during the week before May 11th.
The need for food assistance continues to exist in every community in America, rich and poor. Feeding America’s 2012 food insecurity study found that more than 50 million people– 1 out of 5 were children - needed emergency food assistance. In the South Jersey area, over 173,000 people are living in food insecurity, 36,000 of whom are school age children.
“When school lets out for the summer, our need rises sharply,” explains Traore. “We ratchet up our efforts to reach hungry people this time of year and that is why “Stamp Out Hunger” is so important.”
“Since the economic downturn of 2008, the number of people needing our services continues to overwhelm our ability to provide enough food to meet those needs. Last year, despite the record breaking levels of the Stamp Out Hunger food drive, we lost 35% of our inventory because of a reduction in federal commodities. That’s why this annual food drive is critically important to the 173,000 people in need and the 240 food pantries and soup kitchens in South Jersey who turn to us for food. The face of hunger is not what most of us think. It’s working families that make too much for public assistance but not enough to cover all their essential needs. The good news is that this is South Jersey and we (the community) are good at taking care of our neighbors, friends and family in need,” says Traore, “we need everyone to do their part, Do It For South Jersey!” The Food Bank asks for non perishable goods such as unopened cans, jars of peanut butter, and assorted boxes to be left in bags by your mailbox. Especially critical are canned proteins such as tuna, salmon, chicken and beans. Donations of canned fruits and veggies are also high on the list of items preferred for their nutrient rich qualities and shelf stable durability.
About the Food Bank of South Jersey
The Food Bank of South Jersey is the leader in providing safe and nutritional food to people in need throughout South Jersey. We distribute food, provide nutrition education and cooking courses, and help people find sustainable ways to improve their lives. To learn more about our important work, please visit www.foodbanksj.org
www.foodbanksj.org/Images/FBSJ_Stamp_Out_Hunger_2013.doc
“If there’s an easier way to feed your neighbor, I sure don’t know what it is,” explains Val Traore, the Food Bank CEO. “You don’t even have to leave your home.” The massive project to feed the hungry will be getting help this year from AARP and Campbell Soup Company who are donating grocery bags and reminder postcards to families all across Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties during the week before May 11th.
The need for food assistance continues to exist in every community in America, rich and poor. Feeding America’s 2012 food insecurity study found that more than 50 million people– 1 out of 5 were children - needed emergency food assistance. In the South Jersey area, over 173,000 people are living in food insecurity, 36,000 of whom are school age children.
“When school lets out for the summer, our need rises sharply,” explains Traore. “We ratchet up our efforts to reach hungry people this time of year and that is why “Stamp Out Hunger” is so important.”
“Since the economic downturn of 2008, the number of people needing our services continues to overwhelm our ability to provide enough food to meet those needs. Last year, despite the record breaking levels of the Stamp Out Hunger food drive, we lost 35% of our inventory because of a reduction in federal commodities. That’s why this annual food drive is critically important to the 173,000 people in need and the 240 food pantries and soup kitchens in South Jersey who turn to us for food. The face of hunger is not what most of us think. It’s working families that make too much for public assistance but not enough to cover all their essential needs. The good news is that this is South Jersey and we (the community) are good at taking care of our neighbors, friends and family in need,” says Traore, “we need everyone to do their part, Do It For South Jersey!” The Food Bank asks for non perishable goods such as unopened cans, jars of peanut butter, and assorted boxes to be left in bags by your mailbox. Especially critical are canned proteins such as tuna, salmon, chicken and beans. Donations of canned fruits and veggies are also high on the list of items preferred for their nutrient rich qualities and shelf stable durability.
About the Food Bank of South Jersey
The Food Bank of South Jersey is the leader in providing safe and nutritional food to people in need throughout South Jersey. We distribute food, provide nutrition education and cooking courses, and help people find sustainable ways to improve their lives. To learn more about our important work, please visit www.foodbanksj.org
www.foodbanksj.org/Images/FBSJ_Stamp_Out_Hunger_2013.doc
Contact
Food Bank of South Jersey
Chris Seabo
856-662-4884
foodbanksj.org
Chris Seabo
856-662-4884
foodbanksj.org
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