August 2015
Summer in the City: Sizzling Temperatures & Empty Stomachs
Did you know that this can be the toughest time of year for food pantries and the families they serve? This summer CUMAC is serving a record number of clients with a shrinking food supply. Learn more about the food crisis, summer hunger and how it’s affecting CUMAC in this recent article by the Paterson Press or check out CUMAC's press release.
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CUMAC's School Supply Drive
CUMAC's annual School Supply Drive is here! During the month of August CUMAC will be accepting donations of backpacks and various supplies for children in Paterson and surrounding communities. With tightening budgets, parents and schools alike often cannot provide the supplies necessary for learning. We firmly believe that every child deserves to go back to school prepared and excited to learn. Help us make this year's school supply drive a success and donate today!
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This year, CUMAC will be working closely with a department within the Paterson Public Schools that works with displaced, homeless and unaccompanied youth to ensure that those children most in need of filled backpacks receive them. Because of this, we are also asking for donations of toiletry items for students in kindergarten through eighth grade to be included with their school supplies. For a complete list of items to donate, please visit our collection page or contact Leigh Ross at 973-742-5518 x16. Education is so vital in breaking the cycle of poverty. This annual drive is just one of the ways you can help to change lives!
Welcome CUMAC's Newest Team Member
Last month CUMAC welcomed new staff member Rose Peligri as our Community Food Coalition (CFC) Coordinator. You may recall, at this time last year we were explaining how the CFC was becoming a program of CUMAC. Almost since our inception, CUMAC was a founding member of a separate organization called the Emergency Food Coalition of Passaic County (EFC). The EFC started as a way for food pantries throughout the County to share ideas, best practices, and food resources. Further, the EFC served as a screening site to determine client eligibility and the best match of pantry. In recent years, it became too difficult to upkeep an organization that had only 1 paid staff member, and so the decision was made to dissolve the organization. However the member pantries, of which CUMAC was of course one, recognized that the functions of the EFC – client screening, resource distribution, and information sharing – needed to continue. Since CUMAC’s Depot had long been responsible for securing, transporting, storing, and distributing shared food resources for the EFC members, it stood to reason that the administrative functions come under CUMAC as well. Hence, EFC closed as an organization and the CFC program started.
Former Drew Seminary intern Kristi Soutar came back on staff for a bit to help us navigate that transition. However when she left in the spring to welcome her gorgeous daughter it was time to look for someone new to take direction of the CFC. Enter Rose.
Rose has been a long time supporter of CUMAC’s work, largely through her role as Youth Coordinator at the Franklin Lakes United Methodist Church. After a career as an attorney, and raising two sons, Rose was looking to make a transition. In thinking about what drew her to this position Rose says,
Rose has been a long time supporter of CUMAC’s work, largely through her role as Youth Coordinator at the Franklin Lakes United Methodist Church. After a career as an attorney, and raising two sons, Rose was looking to make a transition. In thinking about what drew her to this position Rose says,
"Perhaps it is the mother in me, my Italian roots, or having spent the last year in ministry serving food to the homeless on the streets of NYC, but feeding people brings me joy. Food has been the center of family occasions and celebrations and an important part of my ordinary day while raising my sons. After school snack time was always a favorite; a moment to reconnect with my sons and talk about our lives while sharing a small meal, usually whatever was left over from dinner the night before. The thought that there are many children in Passaic County who do not experience snack time the same way my sons did, brought me to volunteer at CUMAC and other places, serving people who do not have enough food to eat on a daily basis. After many years of volunteering with various organizations that feed people, it is with excitement that I accepted the position of Community Food Coalition Coordinator."
As the CFC Coordinator, Rose looks forward to continuing to create a vibrant group of pantries who will work collaboratively to serve the needs of the people of Passaic County. Like most staff roles at CUMAC, Rose’s specific responsibilities will evolve as she guides the development of the CFC. Her initial priorities are to get to know the CFC member pantries and coordinate communication within the group. She is also focused on learning CUMAC’s current pantry processes so she can support the CFC member pantries in their operations and help improve our internal efficiency. Additionally, she is looking at the best way for CUMAC to continue screening new pantry clients and matching them with the pantry whose location and hours best fit the client’s needs. A tool that has been very helpful in that process is PATH – an online software platform that was developed by the Paterson Alliance to track pantry client usage. CUMAC now administers the system, and Rose will be developing training and support mechanisms so that eventually every CFC member pantry can use PATH, giving us a complete picture of the growing need for food services in Passaic County.
While Rose is settling into her new role and helping CUMAC to integrate this new (to us) program into our work, there is an old favorite around the corner that will truly welcome Rose CUMAC-style: the Action Against Hunger™ Food Drive. As a lead member of the EFC, CUMAC took responsibility for coordinating volunteers, trucking, and food distribution for the October event. With the CFC now under our purview, that will not change. We will be looking to add more collection sites, so we can bring in more food resources, to meet the growing need throughout our community. Of course that means we will need even more people to help out. If you’re able to join us to volunteer on October 4th, make sure to meet Rose. We’re excited about the potential that she (and the CFC) brings to CUMAC to help us serve our community more efficiently, and have no doubt you will be as well.
While Rose is settling into her new role and helping CUMAC to integrate this new (to us) program into our work, there is an old favorite around the corner that will truly welcome Rose CUMAC-style: the Action Against Hunger™ Food Drive. As a lead member of the EFC, CUMAC took responsibility for coordinating volunteers, trucking, and food distribution for the October event. With the CFC now under our purview, that will not change. We will be looking to add more collection sites, so we can bring in more food resources, to meet the growing need throughout our community. Of course that means we will need even more people to help out. If you’re able to join us to volunteer on October 4th, make sure to meet Rose. We’re excited about the potential that she (and the CFC) brings to CUMAC to help us serve our community more efficiently, and have no doubt you will be as well.
To assist with the Action Against Hunger Food Drive visit our event page.
A Trip To Remember
This summer CUMAC’s staff would like to give heartfelt thanks to our friends at Chodae Community Church in Norwood, New Jersey. For the second year in a row, Chodae’s summer youth program decided to take a mission trip to CUMAC to learn more about hunger and poverty issues and give hands on help. This year, Chodae sent both their middle school and junior high school groups for two whole weeks of ministry dedicated to feeding people and changing lives! Their rousing enthusiasm, unbridled energy and incredible insight inspired us and helped move our summer feeding efforts to new levels.
Knowing that sometimes it’s hard for young people to grasp how difficult it can be to purchase groceries on a limited budget, the Chodae crew started off their week with a valuable lesson. Trip leaders gave their 5 students $25 to purchase healthy meals that would last them the week. The group spent over an hour hunting for their favorite foods, counting their dollars, and then putting most of their coveted purchases back on the shelf for lack of funds. After much consideration the team came home with one loaf of bread, one jar of peanut butter, one jar of jelly, one packet of cold cuts, one tomato and one head of lettuce. Our young volunteers were excited to tell us what they bought, but even more interested in telling us how difficult it was to shop on a limited budget. They were surprised how little they wound up with and had to get used to new foods they didn’t usually like to eat. The experience made packing bags of food all the more meaningful because the kids knew that through their work they were helping clients supplement groceries bought on very limited budgets with a variety of meals, snacks, fresh produce, and meats.
During their trip, the Chodae teams sorted incoming food donations and packed bags for our pantry. They learned that CUMAC is feeding over 3,000 people each month and witnessed firsthand how food goes out through to clients almost as quickly as it’s packed. They also learned that with dwindling donations we can only put a limited amount in bags and even though it isn’t easy, we sometimes have to give less to ensure everybody gets something rather then fill bags with as much as we’d like. Among other projects, they traveled to CUMAC’s satellite pantry to prepare for open hours; cleared out space for the upcoming school supply drive; meticulously tested and built items going out through our Community Closet and cleaned and bagged refreshing summer drinks to combat summer heat. As a special break from all of their hard work, the mission group took time off to visit the Paterson Museum and learned about the city’s fascinating history at the forefront of innovation and industry.
During their trip, the Chodae teams sorted incoming food donations and packed bags for our pantry. They learned that CUMAC is feeding over 3,000 people each month and witnessed firsthand how food goes out through to clients almost as quickly as it’s packed. They also learned that with dwindling donations we can only put a limited amount in bags and even though it isn’t easy, we sometimes have to give less to ensure everybody gets something rather then fill bags with as much as we’d like. Among other projects, they traveled to CUMAC’s satellite pantry to prepare for open hours; cleared out space for the upcoming school supply drive; meticulously tested and built items going out through our Community Closet and cleaned and bagged refreshing summer drinks to combat summer heat. As a special break from all of their hard work, the mission group took time off to visit the Paterson Museum and learned about the city’s fascinating history at the forefront of innovation and industry.
When asked, our awesome young volunteers exclaimed that they’d had a blast, but also that they had learned a lot too. One young volunteer recounted her experience sorting past sell-by produce, stating “I didn’t realize strawberries grow mold. They are never moldy in my house.” (Special thanks to our volunteer crew for making sure no moldy or unusable produce went to families in our pantry.) One of our eager new recruits in the fight against hunger said that going forward he would always join his parents when they went to work at the food pantry because he knew now what a big difference it makes. They left here sporting new CUMAC hats and promising to come back next year, we can’t wait!
During just two weeks spent in ministry close to home, the Chodae mission trip accomplished so much. Ten extraordinary young people and two committed leaders were able to prepare 3 pantries to feed 1007 people over an 8 day period. They were able to provide invaluable support to many programs and projects that rely almost entirely on volunteer talent to serve those in need. Their open-minded insistence that “we’re here to do whatever you need” involved them in the varied inner workings of CUMAC’s day to day operation. Not only was this a huge help to our busy staff and ever expanding programs, but it also provided a multifaceted learning experience for our young volunteers. By week’s end they had acquired a much deeper understanding of what it means to experience hunger, the struggles feeding programs face as they work to address skyrocketing need, and just how much every individual can do to help others. Our Chodae mission crew left with new perspective on their place within the world and empowered to inspire countless others through word and deed. We at CUMAC applaud the hard working, dedicated youth of Chodae Community Church and look forward to partnering with them again as they grow in discipleship!
CUMAC's Executive Director on NASH FM 94.7
We’re pleased to announce that CUMAC’s Executive Director, Pat Bruger, was recently featured on the NASH Matters with Kelly Ford radio show. Pat had a great time on her visit to the NASH FM 94.7 studios, where she talked about CUMAC and our mission to fight hunger in New Jersey. The interview aired on Sunday, July 19. In case you missed it you can catch the full program on the NASH FM website. Hear the full interview here.
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Around the Community
Our Amazing Eagle Scout CUMAC would like to congratulate Jack Zimmerman on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout! Over a year long project, Jack rallied over 198 volunteers, raised $11,226 and planned and executed an event that brought CUMAC an incredible 47,124 meals to feed the hungry. Becoming an Eagle Scout is a remarkable achievement that reflects incredible character, discipline and merit. We were honored to work with this dedicated young man through his Eagle Scout service leadership project and are so grateful for his help feeding so many. Great work, Jack!
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Give Back Nights We’d like to send a huge thank you to everyone who supported our dine-to-donate events in Wayne, NJ last month. With your support our fundraisers at Jersey Mike’s and California Pizza Kitchen raised over $900 to help fight hunger in our community! Our friends at Jersey Mike's said that CUMAC'S fundraiser was their most successful Give Back Night ever. None of it would've been possible without supporters like you!
Have a favorite dinner spot? Consider hosting a CUMAC fundraiser while enjoying your favorite meal! |
Deloitte IMPACT Day Deloitte partnered with CUMAC this June to distribute over 11,000 pounds of fresh produce to the city of Paterson. Deloitte has been volunteering with CUMAC for over a decade, but this marked the fourth consecutive year we combined forces to turn Deloitte's IMPACT Day into a day of healthy eating for our community. CUMAC clients received a variety of vegetables including corn, collard greens, onions, spinach and cabbage. With the help of our driving team, volunteers also delivered produce to local agencies like Oasis and over 380 senior apartments in Paterson and Passaic including the Federal Apartments, Brick Residence, William Hinchliffe Manor and Monsignor Joseph Brisel Residence. The residents we're thrilled. Thanks Deloitte for promoting good health & nutrition in our community!
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Children's Book Spreading Hunger Awareness
Some years ago, Mel Hioki was serving his church in mission work at a soup kitchen. While serving a hot meal to those who were hungry, he couldn’t help but notice that a highway divided this soup kitchen and a nice shopping mall. “I couldn’t get over the fact that these two locations were so close to each other, with people like myself, divided by a highway,” recalls Mel. Fast forward to June 20th, 2015 at a reading of Mel’s book, The Other Side of The Pond, in which Mel translated his experience into a delightful children’s book. This hunger awareness story for children, so beautifully written and illustrated, tells the tale of two frog communities living in a pond and separated by a log. Adults and children in attendance snacked on berries of their own while Mel shared his own story of what brought him to this place of author and impassioned humanitarian. Through his work in mission and the inspiration and guidance of his Pastor, Eugene Kim at Hackensack UMC, Mel has provided CUMAC an immeasurable gift of his talents, passion to serve and extraordinary commitment to making real change.
Last month Mel also visited the Totowa Public Library for a special reading of his book. He was greeted by a room full of children and their parents, ready to hear the story and learn more about hunger. After the reading, attendees had the chance to ask Mel about the book and buy a copy of their own. In just a few weeks time the book has sold over 100 copies, and 100% of the proceeds will be benefiting CUMAC and the Hackensack UMC.
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With 1 in 6 Americans struggling with hunger, spreading awareness has become vital. Mel's book is teaching children about hunger in a unique way and giving them an opportunity to talk about the issue. Most importantly, it's inspiring them to take action. Many of the young readers who were present at the last event are already planning volunteer trips to CUMAC and supporting local food drives and school supply collections that will be delivered to our building later this month. It's incredible to see so much enthusiasm and kindness from kids around our community. Thank to Mel, Hackensack UMC and Totowa Public Library for making it possible!
For more information on The Other Side of The Pond or to host a reading of the book, visit our book page.
For more information on The Other Side of The Pond or to host a reading of the book, visit our book page.
Together We're Making a Difference
CUMAC provides critical support to our neighbors struggling with hunger each and every day. We rely heavily on donations to accomplish our work. Please consider making a donation today. With your support, CUMAC's pantry has served over 22,000 people this year, and our other community programs like the Community Closet, Pathways to Work, and Place of Promise are providing our neighbors with the resources they need most. It's all thanks to supporters like you!
$50 will feed a family of four for a week. $60 will keep one of our trucks on the road for a full day, allowing us to rescue, transport and distribute food to our community. Your donation in any amount will ensure we can help all who come to us in need. DONATE TODAY |
Get ready for the 5K to Scare Hunger Away!
CUMAC is gearing up for the Scare Hunger Away 5K race on Sunday, October 25. The event is being held at Garret Mountain in Woodland Park, NJ. All ages are welcome and proceeds will be donated to CUMAC! The event will feature trick-or-treat stations, a costume contest, a certified course, and even a Kids Fun Run. Want to get involved? CUMAC needs volunteers, runners and fundraisers for the event! To register for the race, visit the event website.
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WAYS TO HELP CUMAC
Give a review, make us a top-rated nonprofit
Online reviews are great way for new supporters to discover and learn about CUMAC. By sharing your CUMAC experience online, you can help encourage others to get involved and take action against hunger. Please take a minute to write us a review on GreatNonprofits. We just need a few more reviews to be named a "2015 Great Nonprofit"! Can you help? Your voice can make a difference! Looking for other great places to share your CUMAC experience? Try Yelp, Google, Facebook, or VolunteerMatch! |
Action Against Hunger (AAH) Food Drive
The AAH Food Drive is a one-day, multi-county food drive being held on Sunday, October 4 that benefits food pantries and anti-hunger groups throughout northern New Jersey. With the support of local supermarkets, the food drive provides thousands of pounds of food just in time for the busy holiday season. Sadly, A&P’s recent filing of bankruptcy leaves many of CUMAC’s store locations in jeopardy this year. Learn more here. Consider making your business, church, or civic organization a collection site! Contact us for more information. |
Buy a pass for Macy's Shop For A Cause This month we're teaming up with Macy's for a special CUMAC fundraiser. Purchase a $5 Macy's shopping pass and CUMAC will receive 100% of the proceeds. With the shopping pass you'll receive special savings at any Macy's location on Saturday, August 29. Call (973-742-5518) or e-mail Leigh Ross to purchase your pass today!
Meal-Packaging Events In honor of their 150th Anniversary, the Pearl River UMC has committed to run an Outreach Inc. meal packaging event to help feed the food insecure in our region. Their goal of 20,000 nutritionally fortified meals will be donated to CUMAC and distributed through our pantry. Meal packaging events are a wonderful way to bring your congregation, club, or school group together in fellowship, service, and outreach. CUMAC is truly grateful that the Pearl River UMC is so steadfast in their continued support of CUMAC’s mission. To volunteer or donate to the 150th Mission in Action, or find out how you can host a meal packaging event of your own, call (973-742-5518) or e-mail Leigh Ross.
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Mark your calendar!
CUMAC's School Supply Drive — August (all month)
Macy's Shop for a Cause — Saturday, August 29
Buy a $5 Macy's Shopping pass & CUMAC will receive 100% of the proceeds
Action Against Hunger Food Drive — Sunday, October 4
2nd Annual Battle of the Bells — October 10
5K To Scare Hunger Away - October 25 sign up here!
18th Annual HELP Dinner — November 17
More information can be found on our events page.
Macy's Shop for a Cause — Saturday, August 29
Buy a $5 Macy's Shopping pass & CUMAC will receive 100% of the proceeds
Action Against Hunger Food Drive — Sunday, October 4
2nd Annual Battle of the Bells — October 10
5K To Scare Hunger Away - October 25 sign up here!
18th Annual HELP Dinner — November 17
More information can be found on our events page.
Thank you for helping CUMAC feed people & change lives!
CUMAC: Feeding People & Changing Lives |
P.O. Box 2721 Paterson, NJ 07509 |
973.742.5518 |