Jul 30, 2008 3:54 pm US/Eastern
Corzine Highlights Anti-Hunger Efforts
HILLSIDE, N.J. (AP) ―
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New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine says the tough fiscal climate makes anti-hunger initiatives even more important. (File)
AP
Gov. Jon S. Corzine reaffirmed the state's commitment to fighting hunger and poverty during a visit to a food bank Wednesday.
Corzine said the commitment to anti-hunger programs is particularly important now, as more people struggle against rising costs for food, energy and housing.
"This is crunch-time out on Main Street," Corzine said. "I encourage the citizens of New Jersey to stand up, stand strong together to make sure we do everything in a time of economic stress."
"We can all make a difference by contributing," Corzine said while visiting the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside.
The governor said despite the state's dire budget difficulties, the Food Purchase Program continued to be funded at last year's level: $4 million for staples to the state's six emergency feeding centers. The centers, in turn, distributed goods to 660 food pantries, homeless shelters and soup kitchens.
The money allows food banks to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, which stimulates the local economy and helps provide a nutritious diet to those needing food donations, said Agriculture Secretary Charles Kuperus.
The first $1 million in state funds was distributed last week, including an $800,000 check to the Community Food Bank.
Corzine promised to continued to highlight hunger and poverty in events through the fall.
Kathleen DiChiara, president and CEO of the food bank, said raising awareness is crucial because both food and money donations have dropped because of the tough economy, while the need has risen. She pointed to several bare shelves in the warehouse and said, "we've never had so many empty shelves."
She said food pantries routinely turn people away because the need outstrips the supply of food.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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