3500 Pints of Blueberries Donated

On Tuesday, July 14th, 3,500 pints of fresh New Jersey blueberries will be distributed free of charge to food pantries in Camden, Browns Mills, Mt. Holly and Trenton through a partnership between the New Jersey Blueberry Industry Advisory Council and Farmers Against Hunger.

According to scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, blueberries rank number-one in antioxidant benefits compared to 40 other fruits and vegetables. Often adults and children who are food-insecure do not receive fresh produce from other hunger-relief organizations.

“This is a significant step in the effort to provide more fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables to those in need,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher, who is scheduled to attend Tuesday’s event. “A highly nutritious diet featuring our Jersey Fresh agricultural products is the best of both worlds for the clients of our state’s feeding operations and for our farmers.”

The blueberries will be distributed as follows:

Tuesday at noon in Camden – Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 1198 Penn Street

Tuesday at 2 p.m. in Browns Mills – Seventh Day Adventist Church, 527 Lakehurst Road

Wed at 3 p.m. in Mount Holly – Second Baptist Church, 306 Washington Street

Thurs at 3 p.m. in Trenton – Holy Cross Church, 500 East State Street

Farmers Against Hunger is the unique hunger-relief program with a focus on fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables. Since the program started in 1996 over 15 million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables have been delivered, free of charge, to those in need!

“The dedication of farmers throughout New Jersey to this program is incredible” said Program Director Judy Grignon. “Our clients appreciate their produce donations more than I can express.”

You can come help celebrate this partnership between Farmers Against Hunger and the New Jersey Blueberry Industry Advisory Council on July 14 at 10am, rain or shine!

Atlantic Blueberry Company, 7201 Weymouth Road, Hammonton, 609 561-8600