CFA transforms popular in-person event into a virtual event, funding 9,000 snack packs

September 23, 2020, Englewood NJ– For the past eight years, CFA has worked to rekindle the unity that arose in the aftermath of 9/11 with Day of Service and Remembrance Weekend Snack Packing events. This year, due to the pandemic, snack packs are needed more than ever, and the agency and its supporters did not let the pandemic stand in the way. The 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance event moved online as the 10K Snack Pack Challenge to fund 10,000 snack packs for area children.  

“While the pandemic has changed many things, including our ability to join together and assemble snack packs, our community has demonstrated that it has not changed our spirit of service and our desire to help local school children,” stated CFA’s Executive Director, Patricia Espy.

“The need for support for the Center for Food Action has never been greater.” said Jen Maxfield Ostfeld, Weekend Snack Pack 9/11 Event Co-founder, and 2020 Event Chairperson, “We are so thankful for the support of our family and friends in this important work, and we look forward to coming back (hopefully in person) next year to pack a record number of Weekend Snack Packs.”

According to a September 8, 2020 story published by NPR, “among low-income households with children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, only about 15% have been getting those meals.”

This year’s top fundraiser and Event Chairperson – Jen Maxfield Ostfeld; Event Sponsor – Trinity Lutheran Church; Fundraisers – Anitha Ramnath, The Community Church of Harrington Park, Shelley Eleby, Jackie Goldschneider, The Norwood Friends, and many others, raised enough funds to create 9,000 snack packs.

“Although CFA in-person events have turned virtual, it is encouraging to know that our supporters still understand and honor our mission of providing snack packs for children facing hunger,” commented Center for Food Action’s Special Events Planner, Nicole Davis.

Trinity Lutheran Church sponsored the event and assembled 1,500 snack packs that will be distributed to children throughout northern New Jersey. CFA volunteers will assemble additional snack packs at the organization’s Saddle Brook location.