State’s largest food bank will host more than 600 volunteers for a full day of non-stop packing
Hillside, NJ — March 15, 2025
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) will host its Fourth Annual 24-Hour Pack-A-Thon from Friday April 4 at 9:00 AM until Saturday April 5 at 9:00 AM to kick off Volunteer Appreciation Month, a month-long celebration honoring those who dedicate their time to making a difference in the community. The 24-Hour Pack-a-Thon was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, when volunteerism was at an all-time low. Each year, the event is coordinated by CFBNJ’s Emerging Leaders, a group of young professionals who bring innovative ideas and resources to support advocacy, raise awareness, and generate financial backing for the FoodBank’s mission.
“Four years ago, we envisioned a 24-Hour Pack-a-Thon to unite New Jersey residents with the call to action ‘Hunger doesn’t sleep, so neither will we,’” said Kelsey Nakamura, Chair of the Emerging Leaders Board at CFBNJ. “Each year, this event highlights the critical role volunteers play in our community.”
The 24-Hour Pack-A-Thon sheds light on the importance of volunteerism in the effort to end food insecurity in New Jersey. For 24 hours straight, volunteers will gather at the FoodBank’s Hillside warehouse to sort and pack food for distribution to our neighbors in need. Last year’s volunteers packed nearly 200,000 pounds of nutritious food.
“We are thrilled to continue this impactful tradition and invite the community to join us in our work to address hunger,” said Elizabeth McCarthy President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “The 24-Hour Pack-A-Thon exemplifies the power of volunteerism and the collective efforts of our partners in creating meaningful change for those facing food insecurity.”
There are many ways to get involved with CFBNJ’s 24-Hour Pack-A-Thon, including sponsorship, volunteering, and fundraising opportunities. Visit CFBNJ’s website to learn how you can participate.
CFBNJ would like to extend a special thank you to the event’s Presenting Sponsors, Hannon Flooring and Peerless Beverage Company, for their generous support and commitment that will help make the 24-Hour Pack-a-Thon a success.
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The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) is the largest anti-hunger, anti-poverty organization in the state, where nearly one million neighbors, including 1 in 8 children, struggle with the emptiness caused by hunger. We are the lead source of nourishing food for 800 pantries serving everyone from infants to college students to families and seniors. Our comprehensive approach addresses the root causes of hunger through food benefits and social services, job training and certification, local farm partnerships, and food policies that nurture all New Jerseyans. By providing food, help, and hope, we are building a food secure future for New Jersey. CFBNJ is a proud member of Feeding America®.