Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Companies Needed for Summer Food Drives for Children


Hundreds of children from needy families receive hot breakfast and lunch during the school year through subsidized school meal programs. When schools close for summer vacation, these meals are not available, and low-income families are often unable to fill the void, many having to make the choice between paying rent or going hungry.
Companies are needed to host employee food drives during the summer to help these families. The Northern New Jersey Business Volunteer Council (BVC) is coordinating a summer food drive with both its member companies and other interested companies, to collect “kid-friendly”, non-perishable breakfast and lunch food items. The food collected during this initiative, entitled “Brown Bag Buddies”, will be delivered to the Center for Food Action and other local food pantries during the months of July and August.

In 2007, $15,085 worth of food and grocery gift cards was distributed through “Brown Bag Buddies”. The goal for 2008 is $20,000. The sponsors for this year’s drive are BD, Rockland Electric, Sealed Air and Compensation Solutions. Pictured here, BD employees Jennifer Farrington, Ellen Rafferty and Lisa Cohen collect kid-friendly food for "Brown Bag Buddies" which will run through August.

Companies can request a free information kit that describes the program and provides “how-to” instructions on running an employee food drive, by calling (201) 489-9454 Ext. 114 or email ttomasi@bergenvolunteers.org.

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