NJMEP and CIANJ launch Food Drive on Manufacturing Day “Manufacturing Cares”
The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP) and the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ) are joining forces to sponsor a food drive during the 4th Annual Manufacturing Day, Oct. 2.
All the collected foods will be donated to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey as part of a special “Manufacturing Cares” project launched by NJMEP and CIANJ this year.
With more than 11,000 manufacturers and STEM firms throughout New Jersey, Manufacturing Day is expected to attract a sellout crowd. The event is a celebration of modern manufacturing, culminating with a conference at The Palace at Somerset Park. All participants are invited to bring non-perishable food items and leave them in a huge bin which will be located on-site. Monetary donations will also be accepted and will be put to work by the Community FoodBank. There is a virtual food drive too, where online donations can be made at www.cfbnj.org/manufacturingcares.
Manufacturing has always been the backbone of New Jersey’s economy – producing goods used throughout the world and sustaining generations of workers and their families. “Through our Manufacturing Cares project we are extending the reach of manufacturers and giving back to the community,” said John W. Kennedy, CEO of NJMEP, which works with all of New Jersey’s manufacturers, but with an area of focus on the small to mid-sized manufacturers to help them become more efficient, profitable and globally competitive.
“At its heart, a food drive is very basic – it’s neighbors helping neighbors – but it is critical to those who need it,” said John Galandak, president of the CIANJ, a statewide business advocacy organization representing more than 900 companies from every business sector, including manufacturers.
“We hope our food drive will make a difference by helping our neediest neighbors,” said Kennedy, “While bringing a spotlight on how the manufacturing industry always steps up to support others.”
The Community FoodBank of NJ distributes food, provides education and training and develops programs to help hungry people throughout the state. Since its incorporation in 1982, the foodbank and its partners have helped feed more than 900,000 people a year.
More information about Manufacturing Day is available at www.njmep.org.