Food Collection Drive Launched To Support Long Valley Families In Need

LONG VALLEY, NJ — More than 30,000 food-insecure families reside in Morris County, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. Food-insecure means not having consistent access to enough food for everyone in the household.

Residents, neighborhood businesses, and nonprofit organizations have all given food to neighbors in need. One local real estate company is contributing this week by teaming up with the Long Valley Food Pantry and holding a food drive.

To help the food pantry, RE/MAX Heritage Properties is organizing a food drive out of their Chester location. All donations can be dropped off at the Chester office, which is located at 294 Main St, Chester, according to Janen Ardia, the Broker of Record at RE/MAX Heritage Properties.

Ardia said representatives would also be willing to pick up from porches, should anyone not have the time to run out to the main office.

Bob Bednar, the office manager at RE/MAX Heritage Properties, claims that the real estate firm has previously collaborated with the Long Valley Food Pantry during the holiday season to provide food and basic necessities for local families.

"For two years we were unable to conduct our Holiday food drive due to the restrictions on us during the pandemic. Our agents are part of our community and we realize that the best way to benefit our community is to keep it local and work with existing channels of help, such as the Long Valley Food Pantry," Bednar said.

According to Laura Winters, LVCAP Director and President, the food pantry could use the following items:

• Boxed chicken or beef broth
• Canned chili
• Canned fruit (in juice)
• Canned meats
• Cleaning supplies
• Cold cereal
• Condiments/Spices
• Snack bars
• Cookies/Crackers
• Pop tarts
• Cooking oil
• Detergent (dish and laundry)
• Juices
• Feminine hygiene products
• Nutella
• Sanitizing wipes
• Sugar
• Spaghetti
• Toilet paper
• White rice
• Shelf-stable milk
• Vinegar
• Zip top bags

"We know that even in our town, many families have been struggling to make ends meet. We would be very grateful to the community for any help they can provide," Bednar said.

Residents are welcome to drop off items at the Chester office, located at 294 Main Street, or call 908-500-8700 or 908-879-4700 to make arrangements for RE/MAX Heritage Properties to pick them up from your residence or place of business.