Central NJ Students To Fill Rumson-Fair Haven Football Field With Food Donations

RUMSON, NJ — This fall, students from across Central Jersey will unite to fill the Rumson-Fair Haven (RFH) High School football field with donated bags of food for Dermer Dreams' inaugural food drive challenge.

The 100 Yard Food Drive Challenge event is part of the Dermer Dreams Neighborhood Captain Program, where students create their plan of action to collect as much food as possible and fight hunger, one bag at a time.

Dermer Dreams provides 100 donation bags to each Neighborhood Captain, empowering them to design and manage their own food drive, while inspiring friends, family, teammates and neighbors to help.

Every student who selects RFH as their drop site will deliver their donations to the football field on Sunday, Oct. 26, officials said. Participating students earn 10 community service hours while making a difference in their community.

"The 100 Yard Food Drive Challenge goes far beyond a traditional food drive,” said Dan Dermer, founder of Dermer Dreams. “It represents a movement led by young people who believe that hunger has no place in any community and that real change starts with them.”

“We provide the tools, and students bring the drive, energy, and creativity,” Dermer continued. “I can’t wait to see the RFH football field transformed into a beacon of hope, filled with bags of food collected by students across New Jersey."

In just one day, Dermer Dreams is aiming to completely cover the RFH football field with yellow donation bags, creating a striking visual that highlights the power of youth-led community action, officials said.

This mission helps feed local families in need while teaching students the value of empathy, responsibility, and initiative.

"Together, we can fill a football field — and the shelves of local food banks," Alyse Dermer said.

For those interested in participating in the 100 Yard Food Drive Challenge, here’s what you need to know:

• You can sign up on the Dermer Dreams website to be a Neighborhood Captain
• Dermer Dreams delivers 100 donation bags to each captain two weeks before the food drive
• You can create your Plan of Action to fill as many bags as possible through neighborhood outreach, social media, team participation, or local businesses
• On Sunday, Oct. 26, the student (along with a parent or adult) delivers their filled bags to the RFH football field
• Upon delivery, each captain receives a Certificate for 10 Hours of Community Service

Participation is free of charge, and Dermer Dreams provides all the materials students need to lead a successful drive, officials said.

To learn more or sign up, you can visit the Dermer Dreams website.

The RFH High School football field is located at 74 Ridge Road, Rumson.