Imagine having to struggle everyday to find enough simply to eat . . . or to walk the streets pulling food out of trash containers, or settling for living with the knawing pit of hunger in your stomach . . . having to choose between feeding your children or paying your rent. Sadly this is the everyday reality of thousands of our fellow citizens across New Jersey today.
Over 281,000 households in New Jersey reported being “food insecure” in 2007 (8.8% of NJ’s population). “Food insecurity” is lacking access to adequate, nutritious food for healthy living. –Food Research and Action Center, 2008.
According to the Community Food Bank of NJ, emergency food pantries served by the food bank report a 20-30% increase this year in the number of people coming for food assistance. –Community FoodBank of NJ, September 2008.
1 out of 5 New Jersey families does not earn enough to afford basic necessities such as food and housing. 85% of these households have at least one member who is employed; only 6% of them receive welfare. –Poverty Research Institute, 2008
The problem can seem overwhelming, but your participation in the Goodwill 5000 Meter Race Against Hunger is a great opportunity to do something about it!
The proceeds from the race go to help fund the programs of Goodwill Rescue Mission of Newark, NJ. Goodwill Rescue Mission provides 150,000 meals each year to the hungry, poor and homeless, as well as 80,000 days and nights of shelter, access to a free medical clinic, referrals to meet other needs, and an on-site residential recovery program as well.
As a very efficient provider, Goodwill is able to serve meals at a cost of only $ 1.98 each, which means that your support will go a long way towards building a hunger-free future for the hungry and homeless. The good news is that it doesn't take a whole lot to make a big difference.
At Goodwill we can provide 10 meals for just $19.80, 20 meals for just $39.60, 50 meals for just $ 99.00 or 100 meals for just $198.00.
Don't miss out on the full joy of participating in the race against hunger. Donate. Form a team. Be a sponsor. Help someone who is helpless without your help. Together we can take a big stride towards winning the race against hunger in our community today.
