In a consolidated effort to support those impacted by the government shutdown, Burlington County Freeholder Director Tom Pullion announced on Jan. 24 that the county is sponsoring a food drive for local pantries.
The food drive will run until Feb. 1.
The government shutdown came to a close on Jan. 25.
“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,” Pullion said. “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.”
The following items will be collected:
- Canned meals such as canned mac & 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or unlabeled cans, perishable items, homemade items, noncommercial canned or packaged items, open or used items and out of date or expired items.
Boxes will be stationed at the following locations: County Administration Building, Human Services Building, Health Department Building, 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 County Clerk’s Office and 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 animal 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.
