To the Editor:

As a long time supporter of Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, I want people to know that there is an easy way to help our local Food Bank. Shoppers at McCaffrey’s and Wegmans can participate in the “Check-out Hunger” campaign by removing one (or several) of the red, green or yellow tickets posted near each checkout register and giving it to the cashier to scan the dollar amount with their grocery order. That’s it. Couldn’t be much easier. Every dollar goes to the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank.

This program, run as a joint effort by food retailers and sponsored statewide by NRG Energy, raises funds to support the hunger relief work of the state’s food banks. In Mercer County, 100 percent of the funds raised goes to the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank.

While food donations are important, cash is the best and most efficient way to support the food bank. Every dollar donated enables the organization to distribute $8 worth of food. Last year, the food bank channeled three million pounds of food and grocery purchases into our community, supplying 60 local charities that operate food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, and meal programs with resources they need to serve the needy who come to their doors. The demand is so much greater this year.

I encourage residents shopping for holiday dinners to remember to “Check-out Hunger.”

Ann Vaurio
Valley Road