The annual High Holy Day food drive is a cherished aspect of our community’s observation of the Days of Awe. Temple Beth-El’s total donation is much anticipated by The Food Bank Network of Somerset County. 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 are three ways to donate.
1. Donate a bag of food. Pick up a bag on Rosh Hashanah or use a bag from home, fill it with donations (see the list below), and return your bag during the Ten Days of Awe, up until the start of the Kol Nidrei service. When the office is open, come in to say hello and to leave your donation in the lobby. After hours, a table will be placed outside the front door for you to drop off your donation. We ask that you not bring bags of food on Yom Kippur as it is Shabbat and a holy day. We will continue to collect donations after Yom Kippur and throughout the year.
2. Donate fresh produce online. Visit TBE’s #GiveHealthy website to donate the fresh fruits and vegetables that are essential to healthy eating. These are some of the items most requested by food banks and their patrons.
3. Make a monetary donation. You can make a monetary donation through Temple Beth-El (click here to make your donation). We will consolidate the donations and forward a lump sum to The Food Bank. Or you can make your monetary donation 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 Jacki Skole, TBE HHD Food Drive Coordinator, at fooddrive@templebethelnj.
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 |
