June Collection to Benefit Local Food Banks

If you live in Somerset County , look for the orange Curbing Hunger bags tied to your recycling bucket this month.

County recycling crews are delivering the colorful collection bags for the annual Curbing Hunger food drive.  The plastic bags are being tied to the handles of recycling buckets placed at the curb.  Each household will receive two bags.

The 18th annual Curbing Hunger food drive will be held in June to benefit organizations that help the hungry in Somerset County . 

“More people than ever before are struggling to make ends meet,” said Freeholder Director Patricia Walsh.  “The Food Bank Network of Somerset County is serving 25 percent more families since the recession began.  Meanwhile, donations to food banks and food pantries have declined.

“You can help by filling your orange bags – or any plastic grocery bag – with canned goods and placing them at the curb on your recycling pickup days from June 4 to June 29,” she said.  “This gives every household two chances to donate.” 

The contributions will be distributed to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and to local food pantries, including the Franklin Township Food Bank.

Food supplies are traditionally low during the summer months.  That’s why the Curbing Hunger food drive is held in June to help alleviate this annual shortage.  Donations are especially needed this year as a result of the economic downturn that has affected countless Somerset County families.

Sponsors of the 2012 Curbing Hunger program include the Board of Freeholders, Curbing Hunger Inc., the Courier News and MyCentralJersey.com. Curbside collection of the food donations is done by county recycling crews and county and municipal public works employees.

If you miss either of your recycling days in June, curbside donations now are being collected year-round as well.  Use one of the orange bags or any plastic grocery bag to place canned food at the curb on any of your recycling collection days throughout the year.

Donations of non-perishable food also are accepted at the First Saturday of the Month recycling drop-offs held at the Somerset County Recycling Center , 40 Polhemus Lane , Bridgewater .  Visit http://bit.ly/FirstSat for dates, times and other information.