NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bring Food Donation to Plays in the Park

June 27, 2007 -- If you plan to attend one of Middlesex County's Plays in the Park performances this summer, be sure to bring a non-perishable food item to benefit the County's emergency food bank.

The Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services (M.C.F.O.O.D.S.), which provides food to 60 local food pantries and soup kitchens, is collecting donations of food and personal items during all performances of the 2007 Plays in the Park season.

Items most needed include canned meats and pastas, stews, canned milk, tomato products, cereal, rice, tuna fish, vegetables, fruits, pasta, peanut butter and jelly.

Personal products – such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and diapers and baby wipes -- are also in short supply.

Collection containers will be located at the main entrance of the theater.

The Plays in the Park season, sponsored by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, began Tuesday, June 26 with a production of The Buddy Holly Story. The musical runs through July 7. Once Upon A Mattress and Thoroughly Modern Millie follow. For more information, visit www.playsinthepark.com or call 732-548-2884.

"When you are packing your lawn chairs, remember to take a can of food or a box of cereal to donate," said Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti, M.C.F.O.O.D.S. liaison. "Every little bit helps in our continuing efforts to provide food for the neediest among us."

For information on M.C.F.O.O.D.S. or if you want to host a food drive, call 609-409-5033.

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