Bring a food donation to Healthy Living Festival

Hardyston — A food drive for seniors will be held at the Healthy Living Festival at the Hardyston Middle School, on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon. Donations will be used to help stock the food pantry at the Division of Senior Services. People who drop off non-perishable food items at the festival will have their names entered into a drawing for a $50 Walmart gift card. Suggested food donations include non-perishable milk, juice, tuna, meals in a can, hearty soup, peanut butter and jelly, granola bars, crackers, cereal, macaroni and cheese, pasta and sauce. Canned food with pop-tops are appreciated as many people do not have access to a can opener. Personal items such as toilet paper, soap and shampoo are always needed, as well. Thousands of Sussex County residents visit Social Services each year. This year in particular, the agency has found it difficult to keep the food pantry’s shelves stocked. To donate money, call the Division of Social Services at 973-383-3600. Cash cannot be accepted at the festival. Anyone in need of food for themselves or their family can stop by the Division of Social Services, at 83 Spring St., Newton, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. No appointments are necessary. Food donations are accepted during these hours also or special arrangements can be made for after-hour donations. Call 973-383-3600. For more information about the festival, call 973-579-0555 or e-mail seniorservices@sussex.nj.us.