By Judith Kristen, AAP Columnist
Do you know we have a HUGE facility here in Pennsauken called The Food Bank of South Jersey? We do. And it is exactly what it sounds like – a Food “Bank.”
The Food Bank of South Jersey and its network of 200+ food pantries and meal kitchens will celebrate their thirtieth year in 2015 providing prepared meals and grocery items to people in need.
This most wonderful organization grew from very modest beginnings in a small warehouse in Camden City to their present 65,000 square foot distribution center located at 1501 John Tipton Boulevard.
That address is the last safety net for those in need.
Every day, all across the globe people go hungry, and worse – even starve to death. We don’t like to think that such a thing happens here in America but – it does – every single day of the year.
In fact, right here in the southern part of our state more than 200,000 people can never be sure where their next meal will come from – or if it will come at all. And, of that number more than a third of those in need are children – children who on far too many nights go to bed hungry.
And, over 25,000 of that number are our senior citizens, many who all too frequently must make a choice between eating, paying the rent, or buying much needed medicine.
The rest of those numbers are working families – people who just don’t have a sufficient amount of money to keep a roof over their heads, pay the bills, and buy enough groceries to last from one paycheck to the next paycheck – no matter how hard they work.
Real People.
Real Situation.
Real Need.
So what can you do to help?
There are many events and happenings all throughout the year at The Food Bank. The latest is to be held on Saturday, November 8th, 2014 from 6:00 PM until 11:00 PM, right there at 1501 John Tipton Boulevard.
The event is called, “Viva South Jersey;” not only will there be casino games, an open bar, DJ and dancing, there will be the ever popular “silent auction” and a most delectable feast of the best South Jersey Cuisine from our region’s finest caterers and restaurants!
And to top off the evening with some of the best entertainment you’ll see anywhere this year, an exclusive concert by the National Touring Beatles Stage Show – BEATLEMANIA AGAIN!
The cost is $150.00 per person or $250.00 per couple.
You can have fun and HELP!
Please contact the Food Bank for any questions you may have about this wonderful organization.
856.662.4884 or visit their website at: www.foodbanksj.org.
