Community event brings together volunteers to combat food insecurity in Elizabeth
(Elizabeth, NJ) – With September’s Hunger Action Month quickly approaching, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano last week kicked off the 11th Annual “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation” sandwich drive to benefit the food-insecure residents in the Elizabeth area. The month-long event will bring together numerous volunteers and local organizations, showcasing the community’s commitment to not only giving back, but also to tackling food insecurity.
“For more than a decade, our ‘Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation’ drive has made a world of difference to so many of our residents,” said Assemblywoman Quijano (D-Union). “Seeing our community come together to fight food insecurity and to support their neighbors is incredibly heartwarming. I encourage everyone to find ways to contribute. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or raising awareness, these actions can make a difference.”
Through her annual “Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation” sandwich drive, Assemblywoman Quijano partners with the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless and St. Joseph Social Service Center to address food insecurity. The Assemblywoman anticipates that during this year’s drive, over 100 volunteers will make more than 4,000 sandwiches.
Combatting hunger and food insecurity remains a priority for Assembly Democrats. Under the leadership of Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin, the state government has increased investment in successful programs and fostered innovation and collaboration among food banks, nonprofits, and agencies. Learn more about these efforts here.
“Our dedication to fight food insecurity in New Jersey remains unwavering and efforts like ‘Hunger Doesn’t Take a Vacation’ highlight the importance of communities coming together to make a difference,” said Speaker Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “We’ve made tremendous progress in our state, providing resources for nutritious meals to neighbors in need, while also addressing some of the root causes of the issue with innovative programs. Every step of the way, my good friend Assemblywoman Quijano has been an invaluable partner and leader.”
The Assemblywoman is grateful for the sponsors participating in the event:
Full-day sponsors include:
- Wayne Blanchard and the State Fraternal Association,
- New Jersey American Water,
- Deep Foods Inc.,
- Eddie Donnelly and the Fire Mutual Benevolent Association, and
- Elizabethtown Gas.
General sponsors include:
- Bayway World of Liquor,
- Michelino’s Restaurant and Pizzeria,
- NovOlex,
- Village Supermarket/Shoprite,
- Wakefern,
- Union County Board of Commissioners, and
- Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli and Sheriff Officers.