"Food for Thought"- Comm. Foodbank Newsletter

[amyrose2712]

This came from a hard copy of the newsletter because I can't find a link.

Table Talk

A message from Margie Barham, executive director of the Southern Branch of the Community FoodBank of Nwe Jersey

According to Feeding America, one in six people in this country struggles with hunger issues. That is a striking statistic in this land of plenty. In a recent study, Feeding America reports that in New Jersey more than 830,000 people in there state received food from neighborhood pantries, soup kitchens and feeding programs in 2009. Many must make difficult choices. The study found that nearly half of the households receiving food(49%) have to choose between paying for food and paying utilities, 48% between paying for food and paying rent or mortgage, 34% between food or medicine of medical care. 72% of these individuals had incomes below the federal poverty level during the previous month.

With every layoff or business cutback or closing, more and more of our neighbors are put into a position that stretches their financial resources. In 2009, the Southern Branch of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey saw a 36% increase in food distribution over 2008. As with any social crisis, thee most vulnerable are most at risk. Seniors, the disabled and children face the most hardship during such economic downturns. Yet we are fortunate to have a generous community who gives to help others

Over the holiday I saw that many of you became more practical in your gift giving. Many made donations to us in lieu of their holiday gift exchange. Many more are becoming creative when celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and life's milestones by asking guests to make donations to the FoodBank rather than give a traditional gift. It has been heartwarming to see so much generosity. Indeed your efforts are helping others. For every dollar donated we can acquire as much as $10 worth of food.

After you've read this news letter, please pass onto a friend and ask them to consider a donation to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. There are over half a million people living in Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties. If each person donated a dollar, we would have more than half a million dollars! Such contributions will significantly help us in out mission to fight hunger and poverty.

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Donate a Truck

Beginning in January 2010. food pantries and other agencies that receive USDA/TEFAP and State Funded Purchasing Program commodities must have a closed truck to transport food orders. Many of our partner agencies use open trucks and do not have the resources to meet this requirement.To donate closed trucks, trucks with caps or vans, contact Karen Meredith, program director, at 609-383-8843, ext. 106, or email [e-mail]

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Most Needed Foods

Although all foods are appreciated, we are in great need of dietary staples and non-perishables. Here is our wish list of the foods most in demand.

Peanut butter, peanut butter, peanut butter!!!
Canned Tuna, Baked beans, Baby foods & formula, Corned beef hash, beef stew, Spam
Dry pasta, rice, instant potatoes. mac & cheese
Spaghetti O's ravioli, beef-a-roni,spaghetti sauce, any canned vegetable
Applesauce, canned fruit, canned or dry soups
Mayonnaise, Jelly
Laundry detergent, soap, diapers, shampoo and other person hygiene products

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For more info and events :

Main page: http://www.njfoodbank.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Main_index&cvridirect=true



Southern Branch: http://www.njfoodbank.org/site/PageServer?pagename=South_Home