To many of us, the issue of hunger can feel simultaneously distant and overwhelming. At first glance, it appears such an intractable and insurmountable challenge that surely no individual contribution could make a real dent. It's true: to make healthy food available to every family requires the collaboration of vast network of partners—corporate, non-profit, and governmental—working in lockstep towards this lofty goal. But every day, we at Farmers Against Hunger witness the resounding impacts of a single action. At every juncture is an individual who chooses action over indifference and thereby provides a piece of the puzzle we never even knew was missing.
September is national Hunger Action Month, when we join others across the nation in taking tangible actions to stand against hunger. Every day this month, we will be using our social media channels to highlight some of our Hunger Heroes—the individuals who have decided to make this work personal and incorporate action against hunger into their daily lives. We hope you will join us in celebrating their heroic actions and let them inspire you to join their ranks and become the Hunger Heroes of tomorrow.
Ready to begin? Here are some ideas to start your journey:
September is national Hunger Action Month, when we join others across the nation in taking tangible actions to stand against hunger. Every day this month, we will be using our social media channels to highlight some of our Hunger Heroes—the individuals who have decided to make this work personal and incorporate action against hunger into their daily lives. We hope you will join us in celebrating their heroic actions and let them inspire you to join their ranks and become the Hunger Heroes of tomorrow.
Ready to begin? Here are some ideas to start your journey:
- Learn.
When you hear a term like hunger, perhaps your mind jumps to the impoverished residents of some far-flung country, plagued by war or famine. The disconcerting truth is that hunger exists in your own neighborhood, invisible to so many of us with the privilege to ignore it. The first step to tackling any issue is to acknowledge its existence. This month, take the opportunity to educate yourself on the realities of hunger and food insecurity in America, and its intersection with issues like food waste, food deserts, obesity, and climate change. Start your education here. - Volunteer.
Whether you're bogged down with stressful commitments or bored senseless during this pandemic, volunteering for a few hours a week is sure to impart a sense of calm and purpose. Our work at Farmers Against Hunger would be impossible without our incredible volunteer base across the state, but we are always looking for more help. During the growing season (May–Dec), we receive countless calls from farmers with surplus produce to donate—provided that we can bring a team of volunteers to harvest it from their fields (a process termed "gleaning"). Learn more and join our volunteer mailing list here.
Another option: Reach out to your local food bank and offer your services! Many of these are small, volunteer-run operations, always grateful for more helping hands to repackage food items, stock shelves, cook at a soup kitchen, serve clients, or even make home deliveries. Find a hunger relief agency near you: 1, 2, 3, 4. - Donate.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the NJ Agricultural Society and its constituent programs rely on contributions from supporters like you. If you believe in our mission to combat hunger and food insecurity in the region, and have even a small amount to spare, we hope you'll consider a donation to Farmers Against Hunger. Click here to donate.
NEW JERSEY GLEANING WEEK
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Every year, in the third week of September, Farmers Against Hunger celebrates New Jersey's official "Gleaning Week" and "Farmers Against Hunger Day" with a packed schedule of events—gleaning opportunities, of course, as well as community dinners and fundraising events to support our work year-round.
These events were signed into law by the NJ State Legislature back in Jan 2016, with the passage of Joint Resolutions 93 and 94. We are immensely honored to be recognized in this manner and we join the Assemblymen in supporting their stated mission, to promote gleaning as a method of reducing food insecurity and food waste in New Jersey. With your help, we can ensure that every family in our state has access to fresh and healthy meals. |
“Gleaning is an innovative and resourceful approach to combat hunger. With millions of people in this country going hungry every year, it's important that we not only raise awareness of the issue, but take action to help make it a thing of the past. We have to make a concerted effort to increase the efficiency of our food supply system and not let valuable resources go to waste. By promoting gleaning and giving residents the tools they need to participate, we can help curb the trend of hunger in the United States.”
- Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro
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GLEANING WEEK 2020
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We are thrilled to celebrate the 5th Annual New Jersey Gleaning Week and Farmers Against Hunger Day and welcome you to support our events!
As the COVID-19 pandemic drives unemployment and food insecurity, our work is more important than ever. We are so grateful for our many farm donors and distribution partners that allow us to continue serving our communities in their time of need.
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Sunday Sep 20 |
Monday Sep 21 |
Tuesday Sep 22 |
Wednesday Sep 23 |
Thursday Sep 24 |
Friday Sep 25 |
Saturday Sep 26 |
9am: Gleaning sweet corn at Lee Turkey Farm 1:30pm: 'Social Sunday' Fundraiser at Cream Ridge Winery |
1:30pm: Gleaning bell & hot peppers at Sheppard Farm |
10am: Gleaning beans & greens at Specca Farm 3pm: Gleaning apples at Strawberry Hill Farm |
Farmers Against Hunger Day 1pm: Gleaning apples at Giamarese Farm |
12pm: Produce Distribution in Long Branch, NJ |
9am: Gleaning at Giamarese Farms with NJ Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin |
Last updated: Sep 21, 2020
