During economic times like these, we all begin to stop and count our blessings. We remember to be thankful for what we do have, and our hearts go out to those who are in need. Earlier this week 4,000 people were let go from the company my boyfriend works for. 4,000 people. Luckily he wasn't one of them. But that doesn't mean that he'll escape the next round of lay-offs.
We all know that it's happening across the nation. We all know people who have been effected by the recession. For me, it always helps me feel better to do something charitable. So for all of you based in NJ here's a few stats for you and a fantastic opportunity to do something good for someone else. Even THE BOSS is pitching in.
More than 35 million Americans, including 12 million children, either live with or are on the verge of hunger. In New Jersey alone, an estimated 250,000 new clients will be seeking sustenance this year from the state's food banks. But recently, as requests for food assistance have risen, food donations are on the decline, leaving food bank shelves almost empty and hungry families waiting for something to eat.
The situation is dire, no more so than at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), the largest food bank in the state, where requests for food have gone up 30 percent, but donations are down by 25 percent. Warehouse shelves that are typically stocked with food are bare and supplies have gotten so low that, for the first time in its 25 year history, the food bank is developing a rationing mechanism.
As the state's key distributor of food to local banks – serving more than 500,000 people a year and providing assistance to nearly 1,700 non-profits in the state – the stability of replenishment of the CFBNJ is essential to ensuring that individuals in need have access to food.
If everyone could just do a little, it would help those in need a lot. To help, people can:
- Make a monetary contribution: Visit www.njfoodbank.org.
- Donate food: Drop off a bag of food at your local food pantry. Click here to find a food pantry near you
- Organize a food drive: We can help explain the logistics of starting a food drive. Just call 908-355-FOOD.
- Help "Check Out Hunger:" Look for the "Check Out Hunger" coupons at your local supermarket and donate. No donation is too small!
It's really easy to donate and all of us know that there are things in our pantry that could go to a family in need. Donate today and you'll get a gift in return - - -the satisfaction of knowing that you're making a difference in your local community!
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