The township’s Thanksgiving food drive benefits its food pantry and one at Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern New Jersey.
Cherry Hill’s annual Thanksgiving food drive began on Nov. 1 and will continue through Sunday, Nov. 23.
The drive will benefit the township food pantry and the pantry at Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern New Jersey. In addition, three dropoff locations have been set up at the townshp, Croft Farm and the municipal building. The latter two accept donations Monday through Friday until 5 p.m., while the library accepts items all week during its hours of operation.
The township has run the holiday food drive for several years. But this year, it holds special significance as it coincides with the ongoing federal government shutdown and the resulting cuts to SNAP benefits.
“This drive is more important than ever, with the government shutdown and SNAP benefits in peril,” said Mayor Dave Fleisher. “There are more people at risk.”
Suggested donations include canned goods, snacks, bread and staple foods like dry pasta and rice. SNAP recipients can’t buy personal hygiene products or baby items like diapers with their benefits, so the food pantries will accept them for donation.
“The pantries give us what their most needed items are, and then we share those suggestions with people,” said the mayor’s deputy chief of staff Megan Brown.
The township-run food drive isn’t the only one going on in Cherry Hill. The school district is accepting donations for the pantry at the Lewis Administration Building through Friday, Dec. 19.
“I’m convinced, especially this year, that Cherry Hill will rise to the occasion,” the mayor emphasized. ” … People are in need, and our community will deliver.”
Township officials have also gathered a list of other local organizations and businesses running drives.
“We’re trying to spread our reach as far as we can,” Brown noted.
The township is also encouraging residents who can spare the time to volunteer with the pantries. The increased demand caused by SNAP cuts will also increase the need for volunteers to sort and distribute donated items.
“It’s just important for people to know that there are places where they can volunteer and help make a difference,” Brown said.
