Dear Editor:
Food banks often benefit from a seasonal boost of good will during the holidays, but unfortunately, those increases in donations end sometime after the New Year. And it’s our job as a community to make sure we continue that spirit of giving.
Most of us may not think we know someone who is hungry. But more than one million people in New Jersey live in food insecure households. Higher food costs and other financial hardships also are causing a greater number of people than usual, including working poor families and seniors on limited incomes, to seek food assistance.
New Jersey food banks are serving a high number of unemployed residents. A survey last year by the New Jersey Federation of Food Banks found that 49 percent of the 830,000 people they serve say they must choose between buying food and paying utility bills. That’s a decision no one should have to make for their family.
As a community, we can help. Consider making a donation of nonperishable goods or cash to your local food bank, or hold a canned food drive in your school, business or community.
For those within The Provident Bank’s footprint, we are again hosting a special fundraiser called “Deposit $1 of Hope” at each of our 80 plus branches. It will support the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, which provides food to hundreds of feeding programs assisting families in 19 counties.
Your donation will go far. For every dollar contributed to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, the organization can distribute $9.59 worth of food and groceries to food banks and pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, after school programs and senior centers, among others. Regardless of whether you are a bank customer, you can stop by one of our branches to make a donation.
Donations are needed now more than ever to help food banks across the state combat shortages. Visit www.njfoodbank.org to learn how you can help today.
Jean Quinn
Vice President, Public Relations
The Provident Bank