Dec 28, 2020
Atlantic County
Utilities Authority’s Holiday Food Drive brought in more than 37,150 pounds of
food for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey in Egg Harbor Township, exceeding
the previous year’s collection by over 15,000 pounds. Residents in Atlantic County put out bags of
canned, nonperishable items with their recycling between December 7 and
18. ACUA’s recycling collection crews
picked up donations during the annual two-week drive.
2020 marked the 30th year for the ACUA’s Holiday Food Drive, which
provides residents with an easy and convenient way to help the needy while
helping the environment. All canned goods collected through the Holiday Food
Drive are distributed through the Community FoodBank and over 300 partner
agencies throughout Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties.
With increased
need driven by a high unemployment rate, Atlantic County has been especially
hard hit by closures due to the pandemic and is reported to have the state’s
highest rate of food-insecure people.
“We sincerely appreciate
the generosity of all the Atlantic County residents who donated the much needed
food during this year’s Holiday Food Drive,” said ACUA President Rick Dovey.
“COVID related hardships have impacted many Atlantic County residents deeply.
And yet, this year’s Food Drive was outstanding, collecting over 15,000 pounds
more than we did last year.” Dovey added.
"The
Community FoodBank is grateful for our continued partnership with the ACUA
during this critical time. The food
collected during this annual drive reflects the generosity of our community and
provides essential nutrition to our neighbors in need," noted Denise
Hladun, Director of External Affairs for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “It is this generosity on a local
level that enables us to continue feeding South Jersey with the help of
the more than 300 partner agencies in
our network,” she added.
The 31,150 pounds of
food collected during 2020 ACUA food drive brings the total amount of food
collected over the past 30 years to more than 963,892 pounds.
“This year’s success reflects the incredible generosity of Atlantic County
residents,” said Dovey. “The Holiday Food Drive is one of our most important
community programs and we are truly grateful for everyone’s participation.”
For more information, contact the Community FoodBank of NJ, Egg Harbor
Township, at (609) 383-8843 or the Atlantic County Utilities Authority at (609)
272-6950.