As part of his efforts to address food insecurity in New Jersey, Speaker Coughlin participated in New Jersey Gleaning Week by hosting a gleaning event at Giamarese Farm in East Brunswick on Saturday. |
Speaker Coughlin along with a few of his Assembly colleagues, constituents, and over 50 volunteers collected over two palettes of apples which will be donated to a M.C.F.O.O.D.S. certified food bank in Middlesex County.
“One of my top priorities as Speaker has been to address hunger in the state, which is a real issue,” said Speaker Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “New Jersey is one of the wealthiest states in the nation, yet nearly one million New Jerseyans go to bed hungry. That’s about 1 of every 8 residents. We need to raise awareness about the needs that exist in this state and take action.”
Gleaning is the act of collecting leftover crops from farmers’ fields after being commercially harvested in an effort to reduce waste.
“The produce we collected today will help to make a difference for our residents who struggle daily with food insecurity,” said Coughlin. “I want to thank everyone who volunteered their free time to help me raise awareness about food insecurity and fight hunger in New Jersey.”
On Monday, Speaker Coughlin will also be announcing a legislative package that will address hunger in New Jersey; rounding out September, which is designated as Hunger Action Month throughout the country.