Youth Volunteer and
Fundraising Opportunities in NJ
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey offers a variety of innovative programs dedicated to educating children, teens, and young adults about hunger and poverty while giving them the tools to make meaningful changes in their communities. Youth volunteer opportunities and programs are crucial for the kids themselves and the communities they’re helping. When young people engage in volunteer work, they have the chance to develop important skills like leadership, communication, and teamwork.
Our programs and unique volunteer opportunities aim to connect communities so that we can better understand the challenges faced by those around us. By giving back to their communities, youth volunteers can make a real difference in the lives of those in need, building empathy and compassion along the way. Our young volunteers benefit from these experiences and the people they’re helping receive much-needed support and care.Â
There are many ways for youth to get involved, either on their own or with guidance from their teachers.
Youth Outreach & Programs Overview: All Year
Presentations & Workshops (All Grade Levels)
CFBNJ offers presentations and workshops for all school levels and can be customized upon request. Topics include food insecurity in NJ, the work of CFBNJ, student outreach opportunities, why outreach is important, and more.
Fundraisers (All Grade Levels)
Fundraising is a powerful way for students to make an impact in their communities while learning how to advocate for social change.
Food Drives (All Grade Levels)
A food drive is a powerful way to make a direct impact on food insecurity. Individuals, families, or groups join together to collect food and essential products to donate to CFBNJ.
Youth Outreach & Programs Overview: Fall & Winter
Teen Hunger Summit (Grades 9-12)
An interactive day of learning, including breakout workshops, student presentations, and service project discussions. This event gives students a look into work being done in their communities to fight hunger and poverty.
Radio Day (All Grade Levels)
Local radio stations feature New Jersey schools’ Students Change Hunger campaigns, including student and teacher interviews.
Youth Outreach & Programs Overview: Spring & Summer
Global Youth Service Day (Grades 7-12)
Students participate in a youth service event through volunteer activities and community service planning at the CFBNJ facility in Hillside. Planned and hosted by the Teen Leadership Council, this event gives students the opportunity to learn more about food insecurity and the work of CFBNJ through outreach discussions, volunteer activities, and interactive workshops.
Teen Outreach Opportunities
CFBNJ hosts several leadership-building programs for teens, including:
- Students Change Hunger
- Teen Leadership Council
- Student Care Crew
- Teen Hunger Summit
- Global Youth Service Day
Below, we will explain a few of our youth programs that are helping make a huge difference in our communities. Be sure to follow @cfbnjteens on Instagram for regular updates on youth outreach opportunities, student spotlights, and more!
Students Change Hunger
Students Change Hunger (SCH) is a statewide food and fund drive competition for preschoolers through college students that runs from September through January. Participating schools compete with one another to collect the most food and raise the most money, with awards and recognition given to top-performing schools.
How Students Can Join the Fight Against Hunger
Schools and youth community groups host food and/or fund drives at their schools to help feed our hungry New Jersey neighbors. Schools compete to donate the most food or funds to fight against hunger in our state from September to January.
CFBNJ Students Change Hunger 2022-2023 Results:
During the 2022-2023 Students Change Hunger campaign, schools and youth groups from CFBNJ’s service area collected more than 72,000 pounds of food and raised over $40,000 to support CFBNJ and our mission to fight hunger. In total, these donated resources supported over 176,900 meals for our neighbors in need.
Congratulations to the 2022 – 2023 Students Change Hunger State Champion, Westfield High School, Westfield, New Jersey! Students collected over 4,800 pounds of food and raised over $1,500, which provided over 8,600 meals to help our neighbors. Westfield High School has been an active force with SCH for over a decade. The seniors of Westfield HS created a strategic pick- up/drop-off plan that involved the entire town of Westfield with a map and schedule. Students went door to door as a technique to engage members of their community, bring awareness, and collect food. Westfield High School is a true testament that the impact is remarkable when young people come together.
Teen Leadership Institute
The Teen Leadership Institute program from CFBNJ is a leadership development program created for students in grades 7-12 across New Jersey. This particular program focuses on developing leadership skills, community engagement, and teen hunger awareness. Participants engage in workshops and activities that promote leadership and teamwork, as well as learn about the issue of hunger in their communities.Â
Through hands-on service projects and volunteer opportunities, participants gain valuable experience in community service and develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those experiencing food insecurity. The TLI program aims to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders to positively impact their communities and fight against hunger in New Jersey.
Student Fundraisers
Fundraising is a powerful way for students to make an impact in their communities. For every $1 donated, CFBNJ can provide three nutritious meals to neighbors in need.
Checks are also welcome: The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, 31 Evans Terminal Hillside, NJ 07205 ATTN: Tim Winn (Add Youth Programs to Memo)
Contact The Youth Outreach Team
At CFBNJ Today
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