Challenge to Fight Hunger a Great Success for Food Pantry

A strong final week helped with the overall smashing success of this year's Challenge to Fight Hunger for the South Brunswick Food Pantry.  In just two months, the generosity of local residents and businesses helped the pantry raise close to $50,000 in monetary donations and over 19,000 food items.

"I am overjoyed with our final amount collected," said Social Services Director LouAnne Wolf.  "We are almost $16,000 ahead of last years final count and to know we did this in the midst of economic turmoil is beyond words."

Each year, from March 1 through April 30, the Feinstein Foundation challenges 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.  

An estimated $230 million was raised by anti-hunger agencies across the country during last year's challenge, in which the South Brunswick Food Pantry collected 16,092 food items and raised $31,584 in donations.

Just after the challenge ended, Wolf said she received an additional $280 donation and 125 food items, but the amount couldn't be incorporated into the Challenge totals.  Still, the money will go into the Human Intervention Trust Fund and used in the same way, Wolf said.  While the totals brought some breathing room to Social Services to meet the rising need from the less fortunate in the community, donations are always needed to make it through to the start of holiday food drives.

"We hope to continue throughout the year receiving more food and monetary donations," Wolf said.  

With the rousing success of this year's drive, Social Services is extremely grateful to everyone who opened their pockets and lent a hand to those who need it most.

"I want to thank each and every one of you who donated to the Feinstein Foundation Challenge," Wolf said.  "These additional funds will enable us to continue helping families with not only food from the pantry, but with financial assistance for utilities, rent and medical."

Final totals for the Challenge to Fight Hunger: