Shopping at the grocery store these days shows us how the inflation rate, at its highest in 40 years, is affecting our budgets. For our clients, the impact is even greater. In an effort to meet community needs, we encourage everyone to participate in Feeding America‘s Hunger Action Month this September.
In Mercer County, 1 in 12 individuals is estimated to be food insecure. Our brick-and-mortar and mobile food pantries are seeing significantly increased demand and we are looking to you to help support our community. It doesn’t take much effort or expense. Here are some small ways to make a BIG impact.
How can YOU help during Hunger Action Month?
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- On your next grocery shop, pick up an extra item to donate. We are always in need of Kosher healthy breakfast items like hot and cold cereal or oatmeal.
- If dropping off food is difficult, monetrary contributions of any size are always accepted. You can donate to the JFCS food pantries by visiting www.jfcsonline.org/donate and add a note in the special instructions section directing your gift to support Hunger Action Month.
- Have a home garden in your yard? Fall is a great time to share fruits and veggies that ripen this time of year. Discover how great it feels to share the FRUITS of your labor with the JFCS pantry. Many community members have already started sharing their produce with our pantry – join them in providing for our clients. To learn more about donating fresh produce, contact Lorena, Programming Assistant, Clinical & Hunger Prevention.
How can GROUPS help during Hunger Action Month?
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- Volunteer with family, friends or colleagues! Help pack bags at the JFCS pantry or provide support at a mobile pantry distribution.
- Organize a community food drive! Collect non-perishable food or personal care items to donate from colleagues, friends or classmates.
- Participate in a Shop & Stock! Grab a Bingo card of needed groceries and fill the card and your cart with items to bring back to stock our food pantry. Make it a competition and see who can find the best deals.
- For more information about group opportunities, contact Eden, Coordinator of Volunteers and Community Programming.
From training wheels to racing wheels, how can EVERYONE get involved?
Participate in JFCS’ 2nd Annual Wheels for Meals bike ride on October 9th! Funds raised support all JFCS food distribution programs including the brick-and-mortar and mobile food pantries and senior nutrition programs. With several route options for beginners to the most experienced cyclists, this ride has something for everyone! Not a rider? Sponsor one or donate to the event. Learn more and register to ride at jfcswheels4meals.org!
