Initiative Aimed at Combating Food Insecurity in Elizabeth Area
Assemblywoman Annette Quijano will launch a month-long food drive on Aug. 2 to combat hunger among local homeless men, women and children in New Jersey.
During the fifth annual “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation” food drive, Quijano will partner with the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless and the St. Joseph Social Service Center to distribute sandwiches to homeless individuals and families in the Elizabeth area. Quijano hopes to surpass the success of last year’s food drive, which produced more than 5,000 sandwiches for local people in need.
“The end to homelessness, poverty and food insecurity starts with us lending a helping hand to our friends and neighbors who are experiencing hardship right here our community,” said Quijano (D-Union). “After four years of observing the generosity of sponsors and volunteers committed to alleviating hunger in Union County, I’m excited to announce the start of another opportunity to make a difference for people in need.”
Volunteers will prepare sandwiches on Wednesdays (except Aug. 16) and Fridays in August from 10 a.m. to noon at the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, 118 Division Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07201. Parties interested in volunteering with or donating to the food drive may email HungerDoesntTakeAVacation[at]gmail.com or call 908-477-5808.
“Food insecurity is a problem that affects virtually every area of someone’s life. Without proper nutrition, a person’s physical, cognitive and emotional states are all diminished,” said Quijano. “By supporting this food drive with their time, effort and money, participants can take action toward addressing a fundamental need of all human beings and easing a burden that weighs on too many New Jersey residents every day.”