EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ–The Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services (MCFOODS) has announced there is a shortage of stored food, in the hopes of sparking donations.

The County Food Bank’s Warehouse Manager Tom Ellison confirmed there are just ten large containers of food left in the agency’s new facility.

MCFOODS, a program of the Middlesex County Improvment Authority (MCIA), recently relocated its headquarters to East Brunswick from New Brunswick.

But officials say they are currently experiencing a 10,000 pound deficit in food donations as the winter months approach.

As a result, MCFOODS is issuing an open call to any schools, organizations, churches, or community groups to sponsor a food drive to help restock the county supply.

Organizers can expect support from MCFOODS in the form of collection bins, fliers, as well as pick-up and delivery of all donated food.

Responsible for feeding and stocking thousands of clients, MCFOODS has been serving the county community since 1994, when they were incorporated by the Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Unlike individual food banks, MCFOODS relies primarily on small-to-large scale food drives as their source of donations.

“We can’t give enough thanks to the individuals, businesses and organizations that continually help bring in food for the needy and underprivileged resident of our County,” said Jennifer Apostol, a project manager with the Middlesex County Improvement Authority, which oversees MCFOODS. “But we’re losing more and more independent food drives and it’s difficult to overlook.” 

MCFOODS also maintains library drop-off sites in East Brunswick, Edison, Metuchen, Milltown, Monroe, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Plainsboro, South Amboy and Woodbridge, if you wish to donate food immediately.

If you are interested in donating, the next Food drive will be held October 24 at East Brunswick High School’s 33rd Annual Marching Band Competition and Food Drive (380 Cranbury Road).

The most needed items include food items such as:

  • Tuna
  • Peanut Butter
  • Cereal
  • Canned Fruit
  • Canned Meat
  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Soup

According to the release, the organization is also collecting personal hygiene items like shampoo, soap, deodorant, and toothpaste and baby productes like baby food, diapers, and baby wipes.

If you would like to volunteer, or you would like to host a future food drive, you can contact MCFOODS at 732-729-0880, 609-409-5033, or at their website.