Bloggers Unite to Fight Hunger in New Jersey

More than 35 million Americans, including 12 million children, either live with or are on the verge of hunger. In New Jersey alone, an estimated 250,000 new clients will be seeking sustenance this year from the state's food banks. But recently, as requests for food assistance have risen, food donations are on the decline, leaving food bank shelves almost empty and hungry families waiting for something to eat.

WE CAN'T LET THIS BANK FAIL!




Deboarh Smith, founder of Jersey Bites, has spearheaded a campaign to get 100 bloggers on board to help spread awareness of the need to help keep the NJ Food Bank alive and able to serve. Across the blogosphere, bloggers have united and given their support and instruction as to how we can support the Food Bank. Small acts can help to save lives.

There is an ever increasing demand for food as more families are in need: people who have lost their jobs, families on fixed incomes, the elderly, and the list continues. Times are tough for all of us, but we cannot let the Food Bank fail.

The Community Food Bank started when Executive Director Kathleen DiChiara delivered groceries out of her car in 1976. By 1982, the Food Bank warehouse was incorporated in Newark. As need for charitable donations grew, the Bank moved to a larger location in 1987 and by 1993, there was so much demand that the Bank moved to its permanent location, a 280,000 sq. ft warehouse in Hillside, NJ.

Today, the FoodBank distributes over 21 million pounds of food and groceries a year, ultimately serving 1,656 non-profit programs including 436 programs served by its Partner Distribution Organizations (PDOs). Through their combined efforts, they assist three-quarters of a million low-income people in 18 of New Jersey’s 21 counties.

If everyone could just do a little, it would help those in need a lot. To help, people can:

1. Make a monetary contribution: Visit www.njfoodbank.org.
2. Donate food: Drop off a bag of food at your local food pantry.
3. Organize a food drive: We can help explain the logistics of starting a food drive. Just call 908-355-FOOD.
4. Help "Check Out Hunger:" Look for the "Check Out Hunger" coupons at your local supermarket and donate. No donation is too small!

Visit other bloggers as they give support to the Food Bank crisis.

Remember, a little goes a long way. Take this week to clean out your pantry. Organize a collection in your neighborhood or among friends. Get your kids involved. If you're a teacher, get your class or school involved in a holiday donation. College alumni organizations can round up fellow alumni. Girl & Boy Scouts can earn a badge by contributing. Plan a collection at your church or child's day care. The ideas are endless. We Can't Let This Bank Fail!