Annual High Holy Day Food Drive

The annual High Holy Day food drive is a cherished aspect of our community’s observation of the Days of Awe. For many years, Temple Beth-El’s total donation has been the single largest donation received by The Food Bank Network of Somerset County. With Covid and the economy in flux, the need is great. The Food Bank Network is serving many more people than in past years. Your generosity will make a difference.

This year there will be several opportunities to bring your donation of food:

  • on Rosh Hashanah (either day)
  • on Yom Kippur (Sept 22-25)
  • during Tashlich services at Duke Island Park (Sept 16 at 3:00 p.m.)
  • during the Sukkah building (Sept 24, 10:00 a.m.)
  • at the Sukkot celebration (Sept 29)
  • to Simchat Torah (Oct 6 and 7)
  • any weekday between September 15 and Oct 7.

If you are not able to get out to purchase food for The Food Bank, you can make a monetary donation through Temple Beth-El (click here to make your donation). We will consolidate all of the donations and forward a lump sum to The Food Bank. Or you can make your monetary donation direct to The Food Bank Network by sending a check payable to The Food Bank Network to P.O. Box 149 Bound Brook, NJ 08805 or via the donation page on their website. The Food Bank Network appreciates monetary donations as they can focus on what they need and they can stretch the purchasing dollar.

Remember, our donations make an immeasurable impact by helping families in need. Your generosity has always been overwhelming and we thank you for your consideration this year as well. Contact Evan Lerner, TBE Food Drive Coordinator, at fooddrive@templebethelnj.org, should you have any questions about this year’s drive.


The mission of The Food Bank Network is to distribute food and to provide other basic human needs to those less fortunate in our community in a manner which recognizes and advances self worth and human dignity. Their method of distributing this food is through three food pantries, located in Somerville, Bound Brook, and North Plainfield, and a warehouse in Bridgewater.

Food Items Non-Food Items
Spaghetti Sauce (canned, e.g. Hunts) Toilet Paper
Shelf Stable Milk (e.g. Parmalat ) Diapers/Wipes
Tuna Paper Towels
Canned Fruits and Vegetables Deodorant
Canned Meats (Spam, Corned Beef, Stew) Hand Soap
Canned Spaghetti Toothpaste
Cereal (Hot/Cold) Dish Detergent
Jelly Laundry Detergent
Juice Shampoo
Macaroni & Cheese
Peanut Butter
Soup