West Deptford, N.J. — Community members across Gloucester County are encouraged
to participate in the 21st Annual “Gloucester County Cares About Hunger” Food Drive,
an initiative aimed at collecting essential food items for residents experiencing food
insecurity.
The annual drive, organized by the United Way of Gloucester County in partnership with
the Food Bank of South Jersey and the Gloucester County Board of County
Commissioners, invites local organizations, businesses, and individuals to donate
nonperishable food items that will be distributed to those in need throughout the county.
Collection for the food drive will take place from Sunday, March 22 through Sunday,
April 5, 2026, although participating sites may begin gathering donations earlier based
on their own schedules.
The official drop-off event will be held Monday, April 6, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at
the United Way of Gloucester County Office at 454 Crown Point Road in West
Deptford.
Organizers say the goal of the drive is to provide shelf-stable foods that can easily be
distributed through local food assistance programs.
The most needed items include:
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 percent fruit juices and shelf-stable dairy products
Organizers ask that no glass bottles or jars be donated.
According to event organizers, the food drive is an opportunity for the community to
come together to help local families who may be struggling to access consistent meals.
“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 of Gloucester County, “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.”
Those interested in registering a collection site or participating in the drive can visit the
United Way of Gloucester County website at www.uwgcnj.org or contact Donna Murphy
at donnamurphy@uwgcnj.org or 856-845-4303 ext. 180 for more information.
The “Gloucester County Cares About Hunger” Food Drive is sponsored by the United
Way of Gloucester County and the Gloucester County Board of County Commissioners
through the Human Service Advisory Council in partnership with the Food Bank of South Jersey.
