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Holiday Food Drive Kicks Off December 5, Runs Through December 16

Nov 18, 2016

Community Food Bank of NJ, Southern Branch counting on ACUA food drive to help meet the needs of those struggling this holiday season 

Egg Harbor Twp, NJ – Beginning Monday, December 5, and continuing through Friday, December 16, Atlantic County residents are encouraged to place canned goods at the curb on their recycling collection day as part of the 26th annual Holiday Food Drive. Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) recycling crews will collect the canned goods in conjunction with regularly scheduled recycling pick-ups.

Sponsored by ACUA, the Holiday Food Drive gives residents an easy and convenient way to help the needy while helping the environment. All canned goods collected through the Holiday Food Drive will be distributed through the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Southern Branch, which provides the donated food to more than 250 partner charities for distribution to those less fortunate throughout Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties. These charities include emergency food pantries, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and other charitable feeding programs.

The Community FoodBank is looking for donations of food items, especially canned soups, meals in a can, peanut butter and jelly, canned tuna and other meats, and cereal.

“What sets the ACUA food drive apart is the convenience of setting out a donation, along with recyclables, on the designated day," said Rick Dovey, ACUA President. “ACUA trucks are visiting the majority of homes in Atlantic County once every two weeks. Our collection crews recognize the importance of the food drive, and they are happy to do their part because they understand this event makes difference in the lives of those served by the Community FoodBank,” Dovey added.

Last year, residents answered the food bank’s call for assistance and donated 27,200 pounds of non-perishable food items. “We are hoping at minimum to meet, and hopefully exceed, that amount this year because the need is so great,” said Dovey.

To participate, just fill any bag or box with your donation and leave at the curb on your recycling day between December 5 and December 16.

Atlantic County residents not serviced through the ACUA curbside recycling program can participate by bringing their donations to the ACUA at 6700 Delilah Rd., or to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey at 6735 Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township.

Items most needed are non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, canned soups, canned vegetables, canned stew and canned fruit. Diapers and baby formula are also needed. Please do not include perishable or frozen items, or food in glass jars.

To learn more about how you can help, contact the Community Food Bank of NJ, Southern Branch, at (609) 383-8843 or visit www.cfbnj.org/southernbranch. For information about the ACUA’s Food Drive, call (609) 272-6950 or visit www.acua.com/fooddrive.