Mercer Street Friends, a Trenton based nonprofit supporting local families through comprehensive food, family and education programs, hosted local students from Dr. Martin Luther King Middle School, Foundation Academy and other youth groups for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. New Jersey Lt. Governor Tahesha Way joined the volunteers to pack weekend food bags that will be distributed throughout Mercer County for Mercer Street Friends’ Send Hunger Packing (SHUP) program.
“I want to thank the leadership of Mercer Street Friends Food Bank for understanding Dr. Martin Luther King’s assignment – that what we do is not for ourselves, but for others. I’d also like to thank the young volunteers who, following the footsteps of Dr. King, are stepping up to serve in their communities and honoring his legacy,” said Lt. Gov. Way. “No matter what season of your life, you can have an impact right where you are.”
The Send Hunger Packing (SHUP) program addresses food insecurity among students eligible for free breakfast and lunch during the school week by providing four nutritious meals for Saturday and Sunday. For many children, school meals are their primary source of nutrition, essential for their educational and developmental success. SHUP works to bridge the gap when school is not in session, mitigating the impact of hunger on students’ growth and learning through this innovative and impactful initiative.
“One of Mercer Street Friends’ core initiatives is removing barriers to learning,” said Bernie Flynn, CEO of Mercer Street Friends. “The Send Hunger Packing food bags prepared by our dedicated volunteers will have an immediate, significant and positive impact on students in our community and their families. We are grateful to Lt. Governor Way for joining us and to our student volunteers who continue to encourage us all to shine a light on those who need our support and the actions we must take to stand with our communities every day.”
