I’ve worked in the non-profit sector so I know first-hand that charities get hit hard in times of economic stress.  Sad, because it’s during such times that the jobless rates go up, and more and more people struggle to provide food for themselves and their families.  Bruce Springsteen has begun a campaign on behalf of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, raising awareness of hunger in New Jersey.  And I’ve joined up with the group of New Jersey bloggers (spearheaded by Deborah of Jersey Bites) to help.

• More than 35 million Americans, including 12 million children, either live with or are on the verge of hunger. – USDA, Household Food Security in the United States, 2006

• The number of families coming to churches and food banks trying to get help to feed their families has increased approximately 20 percent. – National Anti-Hunger Organizations, 2008 Blueprint to End Hunger

• According to a recent survey, 6 percent of Americans said they or someone in their immediate family has gone to bed hungry in the past month because they could not afford enough food. – 2008 Hormel Hunger Survey

• One out of every five New Jersey families does not earn enough to afford the basic necessities – housing, food and child care – although 85 percent of these households have at least one family member who is working. – Poverty Research Institute, June 2008

• In New Jersey alone, an estimated 250,000 new clients will be seeking sustenance this year from the state’s food banks. – “No Food on the table,” By Judy Peet, The Star-Ledger, Oct. 23, 2008

“The Community FoodBank of New Jersey is facing a dire shortage of food, so much so that – without the public’s support – it may, for the first time in its history, begin to ration food. This is a state-wide crisis, with the unstable economy resulting in a 30 percent increase in those needing food. In years past, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey has provided assistance to more than 500,000 New Jerseyans, but expects to see a major uptick in need this year, especially during the winter months when people often struggle between paying heating and food bills.”

Here’s how you can help:

1. Make a monetary contribution: Visit http://www.njfoodbank.org/.
2. Donate food: Drop off a bag of food at your local food pantry.
3. Organize a food drive: We can help explain the logistics of starting a food drive. Just call 908-355-FOOD.
4. Help “Check Out Hunger:” Look for the “Check Out Hunger” coupons at your local supermarket and donate. No donation is too small!

I know that many of my readers are not from New Jersey, but hey, why dontcha donate anyway?  Or figure out if and where the community food banks are in your own state.  There are hungry people everywhere… and they all need our help.

Finally, the Trenton area is very dear to my heart, and I know that many are suffering there.  If you can, please visit the website of Mercer Street Friends and learn the ways that you can give.

If you have any questions—or if you are in New Jersey and in need—please email me.

Happy Holidays and wishes of good health, cheer, and full bellies for everyone!

Please click ‘more’ to view the list of Bloggers Participating in the “We Can’t Let This Blog Fail Campaign”.