To the Editor:

I have been a community activist since 1970 when my husband Bill and I moved to West Windsor, but nothing has given me greater satisfaction than my involvement with Yes We CAN! Food Drives. This non-partisan group of volunteers collects donated food from shoppers at area markets. The fresh produce and canned goods are then used to restock the food pantries operated by The Crisis Ministry of Mercer County.

The pantries, located in Trenton and Princeton, provide free food each month for over 3000 low-income individuals, including families, children, the elderly, the disabled, and veterans. Our volunteers have collected 90 tons of food this year alone, which translates to 10 percent of all the food distributed by The Crisis Ministry.

Yes We CAN!’s primary source of donated fresh produce is the West Windsor Farmers’ Market. In fact, we have collected 21 tons of fruits and vegetables since the market opened for the season in May. Saturday, November 23, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., is the final market day for the 2013 season. Yes We CAN! volunteers will be collecting fresh produce and canned goods, along with frozen turkeys. I urge everyone to come out and have fun at the market, while helping others who face a questionable holiday season.

The market is located near the Princeton Junction Train Station on Vaughn Drive, off Alexander Road. If you’ve never been to the market, you are in for a treat.

Fran Engler

West Windsor