Paramus Jewish Org. Collects 25K Pounds Of Food In Mega Food Drive

PARAMUS, NJ — More than 25,000 pounds of food were collected by a Jewish public charity to donate to anti-hunger organizations across Bergen, Passaic and Hudson Counties, officials said.

As part of its March Mega Food Drive, the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey is distributing the food to families who are struggling with food insecurity, which — the organization's CEO said — is one of the critical and growing needs in the community.

"Our efforts to help those who are food insecure is a herculean task," CEO Jason Shames said.

He added that the Federation's Food Insecurity Conference, attended on Tuesday by local, state and federal officials, was able to highlight important partnerships, and the officials, volunteers and business owners who help the organization continue its work.

In a video posted on the day of the conference, New Jersey Appropriations Chair Lisa Swain said, while standing in the Paramus parking lot of the Federation, that she was there to witness this incredible collection of food — 25,000 pounds.

"Thank you to the team at the Jewish Federation for the tireless hours it took to organize this (food drive) and make it a reality," District Five Rep. Josh Gottheimer said. He added that the organization emphasizes arevut — a core Jewish value that guides to care for communities and help make them better places to live and raise a family.

Gottheimer and State Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin joined the Federation at Tuesday's conference to honor the March food drive and to highlight action across the state to combat hunger and food insecurity.

“Speaker Coughlin — New Jersey’s food security champion — and many in the state’s legislature have been incredible leaders in making sure children and families who may be struggling have the resources they need," Gottheimer said.

Gottheimer recognized Coughlin's work — and the work of many in the state’s legislature — "to make sure children and families who may be struggling have the resources they need," he said.

"What a wonderful event today," Coughlin said in a Facebook post. "Many thanks to everyone for their contributions to this effort. We are breaking new ground in the fight against hunger and food insecurity."

Coughlin, Rep. Gottheimer said, has helped get multiple pieces of state legislation signed into law to combat hunger.

"Hunger is an issue that's close to my heart," Coughlin said. “Year after year, the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey has brought people together to pitch in to help thousands of families dealing with food insecurity."

"None of our neighbors should go hungry," the speaker said.