NEWTON, NJ (Sussex County) – The ninth annual BackPack Snacks for Kids food drive will be held at the Weis Markets in Franklin Borough and Newton on Saturday, March 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The BackPack Snacks for Kids program provides children in Sussex County with meals and snacks for the weekend. Items such as meals in a can, oatmeal, soup, granola bars, and applesauce are packaged in snack-sized containers and distributed to children in participating school districts to bring home at the end of the week.
Donations from the BackPack Snacks for Kids food drive go directly to Sussex County children in need. This valuable program would not be possible without the continued support of WNNJ 103.7, WSUS 102.3, The Bear 106.3, and the generous community.
“Many children in Sussex County benefit from this program each weekend and during school breaks,” said Sussex County Department of Health and Human Services Administrator Christine Florio. “Approximately 2,200 snack bags are provided to local schools for distribution each month. The community support has been instrumental in sustaining this valuable program.”
Last year the drive collected over 8,000 pounds of food and $1,650 in monetary donations to help support the BackPack Snacks for Kids effort through the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services food pantry.
The food pantry at the Division of Social Services provides food to families and individuals in need throughout Sussex County, as well as local food pantries whose shelves are often depleted due to the increasing demand for assistance. The pantry is operated by volunteers who ensure that food is available at all times.
Anyone is in need of food for themselves or their family, they can stop by the Division of Social Services located at 83 Spring Street in Newton from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Food or pet donations are accepted during these hours or special arrangements can be made for after-hours donations by calling 973-383-3600.
