DeAngelo, Lopez Resolution Designating November as "Food Pantry Donation Month" in New Jer
Aiming to assist the more than 900,000 New Jersey residents facing food insecurity daily, 270,000 of which are children, a joint resolution to permanently designate November of each year as "Food Pantry Donation Month" in New Jersey cleared the Legislature Thursday. The measure (AJR60) is sponsored by Assembly Democrats Wayne P. DeAngelo (D-Mercer, Middlesex) and Yvonne Lopez (D-Middlesex). It was approved by the full Senate 35-0 on Thursday. DeAngelo and Lopez issued the following responses: Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo (D-Mercer, Middlesex) "These statistics are alarming and quite frankly, sad. To know that so many adults and children throughout New Jersey are hungry each day is heartbreaking. "These statistics, however, are not just about numbers. They are about people who don't have enough food. Through this measure, we'll be taking action by donating to our community's food banks and pantries that are the safety nets for those who face food insecurity." Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-Middlesex) "The goal of this legislation is to help New Jersey residents become more educated about the crucial role food pantries play in feeding those who struggle with hunger, malnutrition and even starvation--all of which are the result of food insecurity. "Supporting food banks gives each of us a way to help reduce hunger in our communities. It is a way that all of us can contribute and make a tremendous impact." The joint resolution cleared the full Assembly 79-0-0 on December 17. It now heads to the governor's desk for further consideration.