As food insecurity continues to reach critical levels across the state, CREDA New Jersey (formerly NAIOP New Jersey) is calling on its members to turn empathy into action. On July 16 more than 100 industry professionals will gather at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) headquarters in Hillside for the annual Community Action Food Drive & Volunteer Day, an effort aimed at addressing the urgent and growing need for essential goods among New Jersey families.
With families across all 18 New Jersey counties struggling to access basic necessities, the commercial real estate community is mobilizing to provide direct support. The event focuses on high-impact service, with volunteers working to sort donations and repack critical supplies, ensuring they reach those who need them most without delay.
“Hunger doesn’t pause for the season, and in 2026, the need is greater than ever,” organization leaders stated. By bringing colleagues together, the industry aims to fill shelves and provide relief to thousands of neighbors currently facing food instability.
How to get involved
The July 16 day of service is divided into two shifts to maximize efficiency and participation:
- Morning Shift: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Max 75 volunteers)
- Afternoon Shift: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Max 75 volunteers)
To ensure a broad representation of the industry, companies are requested to limit registration to eight volunteers per shift. Participants are reminded to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and to review the CFBNJ “Know Before You Go” volunteer policy to ensure a smooth operation.
Supporting beyond the Volunteer Day
For those unable to attend in person, the organization is providing several alternative ways to contribute to the mission:
- Financial Contributions: Direct donations can be made to provide essential meals to families in need.
- Workplace Food Drives: Companies are encouraged to collect non-perishable items. CREDA New Jersey is facilitating this by offering to deliver collection boxes directly to corporate offices.
- Drop-off Locations: Donors can drop off food items at the CREDA New Jersey office located at 2 Tower Center Blvd, Suite 1106, East Brunswick, or at the donation box located in the building’s atrium.
Organizers emphasize that whether through time, monetary support, or coordinating a food drive, every action plays a vital role in the collective fight against hunger. For more information on how to arrange a donation box delivery or to register for the July 16 event, please contact the CREDA New Jersey office.
