Check-Out Hunger, an annual fund raiser for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, will be marking its 20th year milestone this fall. This campaign, which began in New Jersey, is now run online and at supermarket chains across the northeast.
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, a member of Feeding America, distributed 35 million pounds of food in the last year to people in need in 18 of New Jersey’s 21 counties. Its staff and volunteers fight hunger and poverty not only through the distribution of food and grocery products, but by education and training, and by creating new programs to meet the needs of low-income people.
In 2009 Check-Out Hunger crossed the $2 million plateau for the first time. The campaign raised $2,093, 086 for food banks across the state. Since 1992, millions of people have supported the program at food markets and online at www.checkouthungernj.org. Participating food markets include A&P, Food Basics, Foodtown, Kings, Pathmark, Shop Rite, Super Fresh, Wawa, and Wegmans.
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey reports that need for nutritious food is up 30-40 percent at its partner agencies (soup kitchens, pantries, shelters, etc) this year. Here’s how you can help:
In your own neighborhood. Look for a display of Check-Out Hunger donation slips at the checkout aisles in your local food stores. Let the cashier know you want to add a donation to your grocery bill, and they take care of the rest! Grocery stores run the campaign at varying times from late September through the end of January, with the bulk of them running it in November and December. You can find a list of participating stores at www.checkouthungernj.org.
In your own home. You can donate through the Check-Out Hunger in New Jersey website at www.checkouthungernj.org.
The Check-Out Hunger campaign is an easy way to make a difference. I donate through my local grocery store as often as possible during the campaign. Please join me in helping to ensure the Community FoodBank of New Jersey has the food and resources it needs to provide food to those in need this year.
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