Curbing Hunger Program to Begin in June

It is that time of year to start looking for the orange Curbing Hunger bags that will be tied to recycling containers across the county throughout June.

According to a release, county recycling crews will be delivering the collection bags for the annual drive, and each household will receive two bags.

This is the 19th annual Curbing Hunger program to benefit organizations that help the hungry in Somerset County. Plus, this year, there will be an online donation available by visiting yougivegoods.com/curbinghunger2013 and selecting the food to purchase to donate.

YouGiveGoods will then deliver that food to the food bank.

“Many families are still struggling due to the extended recession and Hurricane Sandy,” Freeholder Director Peter Palmer said in the release. “The demand at our food banks continues to exceed supplies on a regular basis. You can help by filling your orange bags—or any plastic grocery bag—with canned goods and placing them at the curb on your recycling pickup days from June 3 to June 28, or by donating online.”

The Curbing Hunger program is always held in June, the release said, because food supplies are lower in the summer months when there are no holiday food drives and school lunch programs close.

Donations through the program are distributed to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and local food pantries.

Sponsors of the 2013 Curbing Hunger program are the Board of Freeholders, Curbing Hunger Inc., the Courier News and MyCentralJersey.com.

Curbside collection itself is done by county recycling crews and municipal employees.

According to the release, for those residents who miss any recycling days, curbside donations are being collected year-round, by using the orange bags or any plastic grocery bag to put canned food out on recycling days.

Non-perishable items are also accepted at First Saturday of the Month recycling drop-offs at the recycling center on Polhemus Lane in Bridgewater.