United Way of Greater Mercer County is set to hold its Strike-Out-Hunger event on Tuesday, June 23 for two shifts 8:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be hosted by Grounds For Sculpture located at 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton.
Volunteers will pack healthy oatmeal breakfasts in order to highlight the 375,000 food insecure children in New Jersey. Teams will pack up individual oatmeal servings which will be distributed to some of food banks across New Jersey and provided to families in need. The more volunteers the more meals can be packed.
United Way is encouraging families and friends to sign up for a great day on the Grounds. Registrations are accepted online up to Monday, June 22. Registration for an individual is $20. The cost includes a t-shirt, lunch and entry to Grounds For Sculpture for the rest of the day. Volunteers can register at uwgmc.kintera.org.
In New Jersey over 375,000 children are food insecure, this is equal to 18% of children in the state. In Mercer County alone over 12,900 children, or 15.6%, of the county’s children are food insecure.
With school ending soon, children receiving free/reduce breakfasts and lunches will no longer have access to those free meals. The summer for most children means a break from classes. For many underprivileged children it means dealing with the stress and insecurity of not knowing how or when they will receive their next meal. The summer season is particularly busy at food banks and pantries as families try to bridge the gap between their income and food needs.
The United Way of Greater Mercer County is also seeking sponsors for the event. There are six levels of sponsorship available. Contact Denise Daniels for more information: denise.daniels@ugwmc.org or (609) 896-1912 x 4903.