Volunteers needed to pack Emergency Meal Kits, build Family Packs, and more
For perhaps the first time in its 45-year history, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) is facing a critical shortage of volunteers at its Hillside warehouse.
With food insecurity projected to increase 56% across the state as a result of the pandemic, CFBNJ is in dire need of more helping hands to aid in maintaining the magnitude of its response.
“CFBNJ is committed to meeting the prolonged and growing need for food assistance that we have seen throughout New Jersey during COVID-19, but we can’t do it without the volunteers that are essential to our operation,” said Carlos Rodriguez, president and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “With just two hours of your time, you can make a real impact in the fight against hunger, where and when it’s needed most.”
CFBNJ needs volunteers to pack Emergency Meal Kits, assemble Family Packs, assist at off-site food distributions, and more. With one in five children in the state expected to face hunger, the organization plans to double its output of Family Packs in the coming year. These provide kids in need—and their families—supplemental food.
CFBNJ also seeks to continue providing Emergency Meal Kits, of which it has distributed more than 100,000 since March. Each kit contains enough nonperishable food to sustain a family for several days.
All volunteers must be 14 or older (teens aged 14 and 15 must be accompanied by an adult) and sign a COVID-19 waiver.
Social distancing is strictly observed during volunteer shifts. In addition, temperatures are taken for all who enter the building, and masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer are provided.
Visit cfbnj.org/volunteer to register for a two-hour volunteer shift of your choosing.
If your company is interested in bringing a group of employees to volunteer, please contact Xenia Ferencevych, corporate volunteer manager, at xferencevych@cfbnj.org or 732-798-5248.
