NAIOP New Jersey Holds Annual Food Drive

July 18, 2012 - PRLog -- On July 13, NAIOP New Jersey conducted its third annual food drive and volunteer day in partnership with the Community Food Bank (CFB) of New Jersey. In addition to sorting and boxing thousands of donated non-perishable food items, volunteers also worked diligently at the Hillside, N.J. headquarters of CFB stuffing thousands of envelopes for a newsletter mailing.

New Jersey has almost one million food insecure individuals. As the weather turns warmer, food donations throughout the state dwindle. Summer becomes a particularly difficult time for families whose children receive free or reduced lunches during the school year. According to Barbara Morford, director of policy and communications for NAIOP New Jersey, the 2012 event drew a record number of more than 75 volunteers, consisting of members, colleagues and family members of the commercial real estate association. "Making food donations tends to be on people's minds more so throughout the holiday season, but as high unemployment continues, contributions are needed all year long. It has become more important than ever to support the CFB in the current economic climate. Every dollar donated gives the CFB $10 of food-buying power, which really helps benefit a large number of individuals.''

In addition to collecting food, drinks and other items for the CFB, NAIOP New Jersey members are raising cash donations at various industry events and through a Virtual Food Drive. Morford said the food drive - a Community Action Project of NAIOP New Jersey - has grown considerably since its inception. "This is the third year we have held this event and the number of volunteers just keeps growing.  Many members brought family members. Once people see how much can be accomplished on behalf of such a worthy cause, they really want to lend their support. I am extremely proud of all our volunteers' efforts,'' she said.

Each year, the CFB assists more than 1,500 partner agencies, distributing more than 39 million pounds of food in 18 New Jersey counties, helping to feed 900,000 people. Since incorporating in 1982, the CFB has distributed over 400 million pounds of food and groceries valued at nearly $1 billion dollars.

The 2012 food drive is NAIOP New Jersey's latest effort in a long tradition of community service, with a long-standing goal of helping to make the state's communities better places in which to live and work. Learn more at www.naiopnj.org/communityaction2012.