NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rutgers Recreation Department Donates $6,350 to County Food Bank

January 24, 2006 – The Rutgers University Recreation Department donated $6,350 in Shop Rite Gift Cards to the Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services (M.C.F.O.O.D.S.), which supplies 60 food pantries throughout the County.

Funds were collected by faculty, staff and students who organized and took part in the Third Annual Big Chill 5K Run/Walk held in December.

“We are so incredibly thankful to all those who organized the Big Chill event and those who participated in it,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Blanquita B. Valenti, liaison to M.C.F.O.O.D.S. “Their hard work and generosity will help feed a lot of people in our County.”

M.C.F.O.O.D.S., the County’s centralized food bank, collected and distributed more than 100 tons of food and personal items in 2005.

“The demand for food is on the rise,” Valenti said. “It is events like the Rutgers Big Chill, our Spring Schools Food Drive, our Monroe Harvest Food Drive and the generosity of the many organizations, corporations and individuals that help us meet our residents’ needs. We could not do it without them.”

Donations are always accepted. Among the most needed items now are canned and nonperishable items such as fruits, meats, vegetables, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, canned tuna, brown rice and snacks such as crackers and cookies. Also needed are personal products and baby items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, diapers and wipes.

M.C.F.O.O.D.S. also accepts grocery store gift certificates, if anyone is interested in making a monetary contribution.

Corporations, groups or individuals interested in holding a food drive or other collection event may call Jennifer Apostol, M.C.F.O.O.D.S. coordinator, at 732-729-0880 or 609-409-5033.

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