Holiday Food Donations and Recycling: Atlantic County’s Community Support Initiative

Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) is gearing up for its 35th annual Holiday Food Drive from December 1 to 12. This initiative invites local residents to donate non-perishable food items simply by placing them next to their recycling bins on collection days. ACUA crews will ensure these donations reach the Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s Southern Branch in Egg Harbor Township.

You can find the specific pickup dates on the ACUA website, but most collections will happen on the same day as regular recycling. According to ACUA President Matthew DeNafo, “Our holiday food drive makes it easy for residents to help those in need. Just place a bag of food donations next to your recycling bin, and our team will handle the rest.”

What can you donate? Suggested items include canned tuna, soups, peanut butter, cereals, and personal hygiene products. Please avoid perishable items or anything in glass jars.

Food insecurity is a significant issue in Atlantic County, where nearly 35,000 people struggle to get enough to eat, including 10,000 children. A report from the FoodBank highlights that about 1 in 8 residents face food insecurity, while the situation is even more dire for children, with roughly 1 in 6 being affected. This brings attention to the need for community support through drives like this one.

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey distributes donated items to over 300 partner agencies across the region—ranging from emergency food pantries to soup kitchens. Since starting, the ACUA Holiday Food Drive has delivered over one million pounds of food to those in need in our community.

If you live in Atlantic County and aren’t on ACUA’s curbside recycling program, you can still help. You can drop off your donations at the ACUA Geo Administrative Building or the Community FoodBank’s Southern Branch in Egg Harbor Township.

For details or questions, visit the ACUA Holiday Food Drive page or call 609-272-6950.

This community effort not only provides essential food but also fosters a spirit of cooperation and compassion during the holiday season. Every contribution counts, and it’s a simple way to bring joy to those who need it most.

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