"Have-A-Heart" and Donate to Feed Woodbridge's Hungry Residents

The annual "Have-A-Heart" township food drive got off to a strong start on Monday with a donation of 2,500 pounds of food and approximately $4,000 from township businesses.

The annual food drive, sponsored by the Woodbridge Department of Health & Human Services and the “We Feed Woodbridge” Food Bank Committee, challenges businesses and residents to donate "214" - either 214 pounds of food or $214 by Feb. 14 to benefit the township's network of food pantries. 

At a Monday kickoff event at the Colonia Country Club, Northfield Bank donated $2,140 and the Colonia Country Club donated $2,000 to benefit the drive. 

Additionally, Wegmans and ShopRite each donated pallets of food totaling 2,500 pounds, a "fantastic start," mayor John McCormac said.

Faith Longstreet of the Woodbridge Township Women of Faith said when the drive began, they were lucky to receive $4,000 worth of donations. 

Last year's drive brought in $37,436 and more than 27,500 pounds of food, according to the township. 

Donations can be made at bringing non-perishable food or monetary donations to the Woodbridge Township Public Health Center, 2 George Frederick Plaza, Woodbridge, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Monetary donations, payable to "We Feed Woodbridge" can also be mailed to the center at Woodbridge Department of Health & Human Services, c/o We Feed Woodbridge, 2 George Frederick Plaza, Woodbridge, NJ 07095.

Additionally, the Colonia Business Community will host "The Taste of Colonia" on February 7 to benefit the food drive. 

The Taste of Colonia will take place from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7 at Colonia Country Club. Tickets are $30 and attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food donation. For more information on the fundraiser, call the Colonia Corner at (732) 382-0273.

For more information on the "Have-A-Heart" Food drive, call (732) 855-0600, ext. 5034.