FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nicole Williams, Communications & Public Relations Manager
nwilliams@cfbnj.org / 732-798-5213
COMMUNITY FOODBANK OF NEW JERSEY IN CRITICAL NEED OF HELPING HANDS
Volunteers needed to pack food for struggling families
HILLSIDE, NJ—January 20, 2022
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) is again facing a shortage of volunteers in its Hillside warehouse. Helping hands are especially needed to create Family Packs that provide supplemental food for the weekends, when kids in need lack access to the school meals that they rely on. This year, CFBNJ plans to provide 1.4 million meals through its Family Pack program – more than four times as many as last year – an ambitious goal that won’t be possible without the help of caring volunteers.
As food prices rise and the effects of the pandemic continue, many New Jersey families are struggling. About 800,000 people across the state are food insecure, including 200,000 children.
“Volunteers are absolutely essential to our operation,” said Carlos Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “Whether you become a regular or just volunteer once, every hour that you spend with us has an impact. I also want to emphasize that our warehouse is a safe place to make a difference.”
Strict safety protocols are followed during every volunteer shift. CFBNJ’s 285,000-square-foot warehouse provides plenty of space for social distancing, and masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer are provided. Volunteers are also screened and have their temperatures taken before entering the building. The health of all who support the organization’s mission is of the utmost importance.
CFBNJ also needs help sorting food, preparing cooked meals, and more. Volunteers must be 12 or older (those aged 12 through 15 must be accompanied by an adult) and sign a COVID-19 waiver. Shifts are available Monday through Friday and some Saturdays for groups and individuals. Visit cfbnj.org/volunteer to sign up.
##
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), a member of Feeding America®, has been delivering food, help and hope across the state for more than 45 years. Last year, CFBNJ provided nutritious food for over 85 million meals through its network of more than 800 community partners including pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, mobile pantries, and child and senior feeding programs throughout the 15 New Jersey counties it serves. For our hungry neighbors, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey is the powerful agent of change that fills the emptiness caused by hunger and provides resources that are essential to earning a sustainable living.