Libraries Collect Over 2,000 Pounds of Food for FoodBank of N.J.
Atlantic County Library System staff members Dave Schrag, Diane Gottman, and Lisa Michel gather food donations for the Southern Branch of the Community FoodBank of N.J.
The “Food for Fines” campaign at the Atlantic County Library System collected 2,191 pounds of food for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey/Southern Branch (CFB) in EHT. Pound for pound, that’s the equivalent weight of 3,043 books.
“We very much appreciate the library system for this donation,” said Margie Barham, executive director of the CFB, in a release to the media. “The need has never been greater and we are seeing a decrease in food donations, so we are especially grateful for this donation.”
The CFB distributed 5.7 million pounds of food last year through its 230-plus partner agencies in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and southern Burlington counties. This was a 36 percent increase in distribution over the previous year and the need continues to rise.
During the National Library Week Food for Fines campaign, library users who owed fines were encouraged to donate food in order to restore their borrowing privileges. Throughout the library system 1,571 people took advantage of the opportunity to clear their fines for overdue materials. Still more people donated food even though their library records were already clear.
Atlantic County Library System branches are located in Brigantine, Egg Harbor City, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway Township, Hammonton, Longport, Mays Landing, Pleasantville, Somers Point, and Ventnor. Go here for more information.
Tags: Atlantic County Library System, Community FoodBank of New Jersey/Southern Branch, National Library Week Food for Fines campaign
