Somerset County Kicks-Off Curbing Hunger Month in June
Donations Are Sought for Annual Food Drive During Summer Pandemic Shortage
SOMERVILLE, NJ – Residents can help curb hunger in Somerset County by donating canned foods and non-perishable items during the 27th annual Curbing Hunger Month. Each year the food drive is held in June because food bank supplies are lowest during the summer months, and this year supplies are even lower than usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Even though our area is beginning to return to normal, there are those who are still recovering from the COVID-related economic downturn,” said Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson. “More families are experiencing food insecurity than ever before. You can help by donating just one can of food, or a few dollars to Curbing Hunger. Just a small donation will make a big difference.”
The annual food collection is a partnership between Curbing Hunger, Inc., the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners, the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and TD Bank Ballpark. For information about how to donate, watch this informative video online at http://bit.ly/CurbingHungerVideo2021 or visit any Somerset Patriots home game during June.
How to Donate
Bright orange and yellow Curbing Hunger bags are distributed during curbside recycling collections at the end of May and in early June. Residents can place canned food and non-perishable goods in the biodegradable Curbing Hunger bags tied to the handle of their recycling bins. Residents who have not received their Curbing Hunger bags or for those who want to donate more than can fit in the bag that is provided should use any plastic bag and mark “food” on the bag with a permanent marker.
Residents should leave their donations at the curb with their recycling to be picked up on their regularly scheduled recycling days. Donations will be distributed to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and other county food pantries. There are several other ways to donate as explained below.
Monetary Donations
Checks can be made payable to Curbing Hunger, Inc. and mailed to 140 South Finley Ave., Basking Ridge, NJ 07920.
Online Donations
To purchase fresh fruits and vegetables online, visit www.CurbingHunger2021.org. Donations are delivered directly to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County.
Patriots Game
Fans of the Somerset Patriots can donate to Curbing Hunger, Inc. at TD Bank Ballpark on June 1 and 2. Volunteers will be located at the entrance of the park and ready to accept donations of canned goods or other non-perishable items.
Food and Non-Perishable Items Needed
Items accepted include boxed shelf-stable milk, canned meat or fish, meals-in-a-can such as pasta, stews and meaty soups, canned tomato sauce, canned fruits, dried pasta, peanut butter and jelly in plastic jars. Perishable food and food in glass containers will NOT be accepted.
Non-perishable items needed include laundry detergent, household cleaning supplies, dish detergent/soap, paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, body wash/soap, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste/toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, baby food diapers (all sizes), and
baby formula.
Curbing Hunger, Inc. is a non-profit community-based program that helps support food banks, pantries, and other entities by collecting food for the hungry during the time of year when food bank supplies are the lowest. This year Curbing Hunger, Inc., is going green by providing residents with biodegradable Curbing Hunger bags.
The Food Bank Network is a non-profit organization that distributes food and other items to local food pantries located in Somerville, Bound Brook, North Plainfield, and Bridgewater to help less fortunate Somerset County residents.
Amp Your Good, Inc., and Curbing Hunger Inc., have partnered to offer an online option for those who would like to donate electronically. Amp Your Good, Inc., has a mission to make a positive impact on society by providing donators and organizations with a technology-based platform, which is environmentally friendly and makes it easier for donors to give to organizations.
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