South Brunswick Breaks Challenge Record

Township residents and businesses continued to show their generosity from the beginning through the final days of the Feinstein Foundation's annual "Challenge to Fight Hunger."

With the end of the challenge approaching last week and the South Brunswick Food Pantry inching closer to breaking the township donations record set last year, once again South Brunswick answered the call. A total of $1,962 in monetary donations was received, in addition to 1,281 food items, for a challenge total of $3,243.

That brought the total for the challenge up to $73,472.90 this year, a new record.

"There are still a couple of days left in April and we are expecting food donations from several schools, and local businesses," said Carol Mazzerella of the Social Services Department on Thursday. "We thank everyone for their continued support and for helping to exceed 2012’s numbers."

This week’s top donations came from American Legion Post 401, South Brunswick Mom’s Club and Merial, along with several residents who dropped off food.

Each year, from March 1 through April 30, the Feinstein Foundation's Challenge to Fight Hunger asks anti-hunger agencies across the country to raise funds and collect as many food donations as possible. Alan Shawn Feinstein, founder of The Feinstein Foundation, then divides his donation of $1 million proportionately among approximately 2,000 agencies participating in the challenge. Each food item donated is valued at $1 per item. 

South Brunswick was able to generate the eighth-highest donation total in the state of New Jersey last year with $43,534.77 in monetary donations and 26,925 food items. In 2011, South Brunswick donated 19,703 food items and donated $46,126 in cash to the pantry during the "Challenge to Fight Hunger."

The Food Pantry provides food and gift cards to less fortunate families all year round. Social Services also provides emergency assistance by helping families with utility bills and rental assistance.

For more information about donating or volunteering for the South Brunswick Food Pantry call 732-329-4000 ext. 7674.  

Challenge to Fight Hunger

Money Donated

Food Items Donated

Total Challenge Credit

Week 1

$17,057 

14,264

$31,321