Twp. to Compete in County-Wide Food Drive

Washington Township is giving back to those in need, and asking residents to help their neighbors this month.

The municipality is one of six towns in Morris County competing in McMATCH, a county-wide drive to gather food to help restock shelves at the Interfaith Food Pantry and other local food providers, according to a press release from Washington Township.

While Morris County is ranked as one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, those in need remains a prevalent problem, the press release said. The Interfaith Food Pantry and Resource Center serves residents across the county, and more than 688,000 pounds of food was distributed in 2011 to help feed 12,500 people, the release stated.

During summer months, the food pantry’s shelves run critically low on supplies as regular sponsors are often away.

“The community has always been supportive of its volunteers and non-profits and I anticipate the food drive will be a huge success,” Washington Township Mayor Ken Short said.  “Collecting food for our local food pantry at the is done continuously by the Boy Scouts at the weekly , amongst others. Our municipal employees will be competing against each other, as will our local schools and I implore the community at large to also help restock the shelves during Hunger Awareness Month.”

Non-perishables can be dropped off at the Long Valley Green Market at on Sept. 20 from 3 to 7 p.m., at the at 43 Schooley’s Mountain Rd. and the at 54 Rock Road during office hours through Sept. 20.

Collections for the food pantry are also accepted on an ongoing basis at at 35 East Mill Road. The schools will have bins at their main entrances for donations.