Rutgers-Camden helps in hunger fight

By Megan DeMarco

Inquirer Staff Writer

A Rutgers University initiative aimed at easing hunger across New Jersey has collected more than 20 tons of food in its first months, officials said last week.

Rutgers Against Hunger, which launched in November and will continue indefinitely, takes a wide-ranging approach to fighting hunger that includes donations, volunteering, community outreach, and education.

Faculty, staff members, alumni, and students participating in the university-wide program have raised nearly $49,000 and collected more than 20 tons of food, including more than 700 pounds donated in the name of Rutgers-Camden to the Food Bank of South Jersey.

Rutgers-Camden students spent the spring semester collecting and volunteering for a yearlong food drive to benefit the Pennsauken Food Bank. Ten cans were placed at different locations on campus for students to drop items in, while five student organizations competed to see who could donate the most nonperishable items (to win a pizza party).

At several annual campus entertainment events - a poetry night, a student drag show, a spring concert - representatives from the Food Bank set up an information table to collect food and donations and to let students know how to get involved.

Volunteers helped stock shelves and prepare bags at the Food Bank and collected financial donations through a virtual food drive online.

"We are thrilled that Rutgers has launched Rutgers Against Hunger and dedicated such a significant amount of resources and time to helping those suffering from food insecurity in New Jersey," said Val Traore, Food Bank chief executive officer.

Other participants across the university contributed in a variety of ways, including donating the cost of a meal at a dining hall, volunteering at other food banks, teaching better nutrition to New Jersey families, conducting food research, gathering produce, and collecting donations during one of several food drives on the different campuses.

"Too many of our fellow New Jersey residents are struggling to provide food for themselves and their families," said university president Richard McCormick. "The first months of Rutgers Against Hunger have shown that our community is eager to give unselfishly of its time, talents, and resources to help those in need."

Contact staff writer Megan DeMarco at 856-779-3844 or mdemarco@phillynews.com.

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