October Is Curbing Hunger Month

Donations Sought for Fall Food Drive

SOMERVILLE, NJ – Curbing Hunger, Inc., the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and the Food Bank Network of Somerset County are sponsoring the 26^th annual Curbing Hunger Month food drive. In the past, Curbing Hunger Month has occurred in June because foodbank supplies usually dwindle during the summer months. Since the COVID-related economic downturn, food banks are having difficulty keeping up with demand, and foodbank managers are expecting to see this trend at least until the end of the year.

“Right now, food banks are seeing the most food-insecure families that they have ever seen,” said Somerset County Freeholder Director Shanel Y. Robinson. “Families from all income levels are being impacted by the COVID-related economic downturn. We are urging residents to help their neighbors and donate to Curbing Hunger.”

How to Donate

Residents can place canned food and non-perishable goods in the orange plastic Curbing Hunger bags that are tied to the handle of their recycling bins. Curbing Hunger bags are being distributed to residents in October, but if they have not received their orange bags, they can use any plastic bag and mark it “food.” Donations will be distributed to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and other county food pantries.

Bags of donations should be left at the curb with residents’ usual recycling items, and then donations will be picked up on their regularly scheduled recycling days. Although this year’s Curbing Hunger Month is in October, donations are being accepted throughout the year.

Curbing Hunger, Inc. is also accepting monetary donations. Checks should be made payable to Curbing Hunger, Inc., and mailed to  P.O. Box 202, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. Amp Your Good, Inc. has also made it possible for people to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables online at www.curbinghunger2020.org. Online donations will be delivered directly to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County.

Food and Non-Perishable Items Needed

Perishable food and food in glass containers will NOT be accepted. Items such as Parmalat milk, canned meat, fish, meals-in-a-can such as pasta, stews and meaty soups, canned tomato sauce, canned fruits, peanut butter and jelly in plastic jars will be accepted.

Non-perishable items that are needed include laundry detergent, household cleaning supplies, dish detergent/soap, paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, body wash/soap, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste/toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, baby food diapers (all sizes) and

baby formula. All donations are appreciated by Curbing Hunger, Inc.

Curbing Hunger, Inc. is a non-profit community-based program that helps support food banks, pantries, and other entities by collecting food for the hungry during times of the year when food bank supplies are the lowest. This year Curbing Hunger, Inc., is going green by providing residents with biodegradable Curbing Hunger bags.

The Food Bank Network is a non-profit organization that distributes food and other items to local food pantries located in Somerville, Bound Brook, North Plainfield, and Bridgewater to help less fortunate Somerset County residents.

Amp Your Good, Inc., has a mission to make a positive impact on society by providing donators and organizations with a technology-based platform, which is environmentally friendly and makes it easier for donors to give to organizations.

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