County food drive is on

The 21st annual Gloucester County Cares About Hunger food drive is taking place now through Sunday, April 5.

Organized by the United Way of Gloucester County – in partnership with the Food Bank of South Jersey and the Gloucester County Board of Commissioners – the drive welcomes local organizations, businesses, and individuals who want to donate non-perishable food items.

The official dropoff event will be held on Monday, April 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the United Way office, 454 Crown Point Road in West Deptford. 

Organizers seek shelf-stable foods that can easily be distributed through local food assistance programs. Most needed are: 

• – Canned proteins such as tuna, chicken, ham, and beans 
• – Breakfast foods, including hot or cold cereal, complete pancake mix, and breakfast or granola bars 
• – Canned meals such as pasta, soups and stews 
• – Canned vegetables and fruits, fruit cups, applesauce and dried fruit 
• – 100% fruit juices and shelf-stable dairy products 

Organizers ask that donations not be in glass bottles or jars.

“The cost of groceries continues to rise and be a challenge for so many of our Gloucester County neighbors,” said Dr. Dan Jurman, executive director of the United Way. “With rising fuel costs promising to push food prices even higher at the same time that federal cuts to food programs have left more people vulnerable, it’s more important than ever that we come together as a community to help where we can.”

To register a collection site or participate in the drive, visit the United Way website at www.uwgcnj.org or contact Donna Murphy at donnamurphy@uwgcnj.org or (856) 845-4303, ext. 180.