Farmers Against Hunger Help Feed New Jersey

I was recently shopping at Whole Foods in Montclair, running around like a crazy vegetarian looking for ingredients for my new favorite jicama-citrus salad. It went off without a hitch, beloved by my meat-eating family. As I was checking out, there was a table with a lovely, young woman handing out flyers promoting Farmers Against Hunger run by the New Jersey Agricultural Society. After a quick hello and informational moment I found out that this New Jersey based organization is doing a world of good. Farmers Against Hunger is a unique food rescue program that collects fresh fruits and vegetables from New Jersey farms and distributes to the hungry through out New Jersey.

Started in 1996, a small group of farmers have been doing it free of charge and the number of participants has ballooned to nearly 50 farmers, 3 grocery store chains, and 2 produce wholesalers, supporting the program year-round. The surplus of produce in this state has been supporting local community organizations and feeding hungry bellies, as well as educate organizations about the importance of having a healthy diet.

Farmers Against Hunger feeds over 6,000 people weekly, adding up to nearly 1.5 million pounds of produce a year. Farmers Against Hunger currently has two trucks, collecting and distributing produce to food banks, churches, soup kitchens, as well as meal or pantry programs.

Farmers Against Hunger also runs another program called Gleanings. Each year nearly 1,000 volunteers come out to fields to help pick and package produce. This program is focused on educating the non-farm public about life on a farm today. The New Jersey Agricultural Society has published a cookbook and nutritional guide focusing on nutrition, storage, and simple-to-prepare recipes for organizations and individuals. For more information and how to get involved with Farmers Against Hunger and the New Jersey Agricultural Society visit www.njagsociety.org.