Recycling crews for the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) picked up more than cardboard and plastic bottles during the first two weeks of December.
As part of the Authority’s 35th annual food drive, crews collected more than 10,000 pounds of food donations from area homes for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) in Egg Harbor Township.
The annual drive provides a unique and convenient opportunity for residents to contribute to those in need by placing out a bag of non-perishable food donations on the curb next to their recycling bins. ACUA crews then deliver those donations to the food bank.
“ACUA’s drive is a successful collaboration between ACUA’s hardworking collection crews and generous members of the community,” said ACUA President Matthew DeNafo. “Thanks to this partnership, the Community FoodBank will be able to supply meals to Atlantic County families in need throughout the holidays.”
Atlantic County has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the state, affecting nearly 1 in 8 residents. Since it began in 1991, ACUA’s drive has collected more than one million pounds of food for CFBNJ.
“Many people across New Jersey are seeking food assistance for the first time in their lives, with countless neighbors just one paycheck away from needing support from their local food bank,” said CFBNJ Food Sourcing Manager Kate Pashley. “Food drives like ACUA’s are critical to replenishing our supply of food during one of the most challenging times of year for local families. This need is even more urgent following significant cuts earlier this year to government assistance programs such as SNAP.”
Residents who were unable to participate in the holiday food drive can still contribute to families in need by bringing donations directly to the food bank or visiting www.cfbnj.org.
