Burlington County officials announced today that, in the county’s continuing efforts to support those impacted by the ongoing government shutdown, the county is sponsoring a food drive for local pantries.
The food drive will run until Friday, Feb. 1.
“I am asking county residents and local businesses to join our efforts to help assist our Burlington County neighbors who are affected by the government shutdown,” said Burlington County Freeholder Director Tom Pullion. “The longest government shutdown in American history is affecting thousands of families. However, we want to do our part to provide some assistance to those who are struggling during this difficult time.”
Officials say around 800,000 federal employees have been furloughed or working without pay since Dec. 21 and won’t receive their next paychecks until the government reopens.
The following items will be collected:
- Canned meals such as canned mac and cheese, canned ravioli, canned beef stew,canned spaghetti & meatballs etc.
- Canned items such as canned soup, canned tuna, canned vegetables and canned fruits.
- Jarred items such as jarred jelly, jarred peanut better, jarred pasta sauce, etc..
- Jarred baby food.
To ensure food safety, the county cannot accept the following items: rusty or unlabeled cans, perishable items, homemade items, noncommercial canned or packaged items, open or used items and out of date or expired items.
Drop-off boxes will be stationed at the following locations: The Burlington County Administration Building, Burlington County Human Services Building, Burlington County Health Department Building, Burlington County Public Safety Building, and the Burlington County Library Main Branch. Staff will be on-hand to provide any assistance.
The food drive comes after the Burlington County Clerk’s Office and Burlington County Animal Shelter waived fees for furloughed federal employees or those working without pay.
The clerk’s office waved fees payable to the office for passport processing, passport photos, notary public swearing in, notary certification and copy fees for documents. Recording fees and fees paid or divided with other government offices are still required. The shelter is also offering free pet food to help aid furloughed families with pets during the shutdown.
For a listing of food pantries in Burlington County visit the county website’s home page or visit:
http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/9845/Food-Pantries-in-Burlington-County
For more information, call Charlene Webster at (609) 265–5706 or email cwebster@co.burlington.nj.us.
