MANSFIELD TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — The Hackettstown Rotary Club and WRNJ Radio are teaming up for their annual Holiday Food Drive on Saturday, Nov. 21, to benefit the Norwescap Food Bank and help families facing food insecurity throughout the region.
The food drive will take place from 9 a.m. to noon in the Panera Bread parking lot at Mansfield Plaza, located at 2045 Route 57 in Mansfield Township. WRNJ’s own Jay Edwards will broadcast live from the event as volunteers collect food and monetary donations for local families in need.
Organizers are asking residents to donate frozen turkeys, hams, canned fruits and vegetables, tuna, peanut butter, carrots, stuffing mix, pasta, sauces and other nonperishable food items. Cash donations, checks and gift cards are also welcome.
According to organizers, local food banks have reported demand for assistance this year that is nearly double previous years. They attributed the increased need to tighter federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements, rising grocery and fuel costs, and lingering effects of previous benefit reductions.
The annual event has received strong community support over the years. In 2025, the Holiday Food Drive collected 4,220 pounds of food, including 130 turkeys and five hams, along with more than $2,000 in cash, checks and gift cards.
“This event is a perfect example of two non-profit organizations working together to benefit hundreds of families in our region who rely on their local food pantries to help them through a tough period. And the support we have gotten year after year from the community is just amazing,” says Norman Worth, President of WRNJ Radio and past president of the Hackettstown Rotary. “People helping people. It’s a beautiful thing.”
All food and financial donations collected during the event will support the Norwescap Food Bank, one of five Feeding America food banks in New Jersey.
Organizers will also provide a list of area food pantries where residents can access food assistance.
Residents interested in donating or learning more about the Holiday Food Drive can contact event chair Catherine Rust at info@hackettstownrotary.org.
