BORDENTOWN – New Jersey Farmers Against Hunger (FAH), a program of the New Jersey Agricultural Society, is celebrating its 20th year of collecting surplus fresh fruits and vegetables from farms, wholesalers and grocery stores for distribution to agencies serving those in need.
As part of the 20th anniversary, FAH will be holding a campaign to support the purchase of a replacement truck for their program. Annually, Farmers Against Hunger recovers 1.4 million pounds of surplus produce, reducing food waste and providing a healthy, nutritious source of food for New Jersey residents in need who are struggling with food insecurity and malnutrition.
FAH delivers weekly to four main sites in Browns Mills, Camden, Trenton, and Mt. Holly and also partners with churches, senior centers, food banks and pantries statewide to efficiently distribute fresh produce. The
fresh produce is usually harvested that day and delivered free of charge to the 75+ organizations receiving it.
Thousands of community volunteers contribute to the mission by helping to “glean” or harvest at local farms, helping to serve an average of 7,500 people weekly. In order to efficiently collect and deliver fresh produce, the program needs reliable transportation. The two trucks which support the program are aging and will be in need of replacement.
To date, the organization has raised $45,000 and is seeking to double this by holding an online donation campaign “On the Road Against Hunger” to raise $45,000 in 45 Days by August 15th. Additionally, Hlubik Farms, of Chesterfield, N.J. will be holding its annual “Dinner on the Farm” on Sept. 18 to benefit Farmers Against Hunger and the Burlington County Tour De Farms, to be held on Sept. 10, will donate a portion of every registration to Farmers Against Hunger. Farmers Against Hunger will also be leading a variety of activities and events during the last week in September as part of the first New Jersey Gleaning Week and Farmers Against Hunger Day, which was passed by the New Jersey legislature this year.
The New Jersey Agricultural Society is a 501(c) 3 non-profit dedicated to preserving and enhancing agriculture, farming and related activities and businesses in New Jersey through educational, informational, and
promotional programs. New Jersey Farmers Against Hunger (FAH) was started in 1996 by farmers who sought to have their surplus produce go to good use by feeding those in need, and continues to be led by farmers who
support the mission.
To donate or volunteer please visit www.njagsociety.org.