November Food Drive

Collecting November 2–8 at Berkeley Heights YMCA, Summit YMCA or The Learning Circle YMCA

The holidays are coming, and for many of our neighbors, putting a full meal on the table is a real challenge. This year our group exercise instructors are leading a November Food Drive to help families in our community enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. From Monday, November 2 through Sunday, November 8, our GX classes will be collecting nonperishable food, and the week wraps up with our annual Cycle Against Hunger rides.

How to Give

Bring items any time during the week. Drop off donations at the welcome desk at the Berkeley Heights YMCA, Summit YMCA or The Learning Circle YMCA. You’ll also find collection containers in these studios:

Berkeley Heights YMCA:
GX Studio and Cycle Studio

Summit YMCA: 
Auditorium and Wellness Studio

Everything we collect goes out at our scheduled food distribution on Monday, November 9, just in time for families to plan their Thanksgiving meals. Every can and box makes a difference.

What to Donate

Breakfast and Pantry Staples
Peanut butter and jelly, cereal, breakfast bars, syrup, honey, coffee, tea bags, powdered coffee creamer, flour, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, olive oil, canola oil and vegetable oil

Thanksgiving Sides and Mains
Instant mashed potatoes, white, brown or wild rice, Rice-A-Roni, Pasta-Roni, Hamburger Helper, pasta, spaghetti sauce, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, gravy mix (packets or jars), canned ham or SPAM, canned yams or sweet potatoes, French fried onions, canned cream of mushroom soup, canned chicken and ready-to-eat meals

Canned Vegetables and Beans
Green beans, corn, carrots, black beans, garbanzo beans and white beans

Baking and Dessert
Boxed pie crust, canned pie filling, pumpkin pie mix, brownie mix, cake mix, icing, cookie mix, muffin mix, corn bread mix, and pudding and Jello mix

Snacks and Drinks
Boxed crackers, trail mix, nuts, chocolate, shelf-stable milk, bottled juice, iced tea mix, hot cocoa mix and shelf-stable apple cider

Ride for a Reason: Cycle Against Hunger

The food drive culminates with our Cycle Against Hunger rides, team taught by our amazing cycle staff. Clip in, sweat it out and celebrate everything our community has collected.

Saturday, November 7 | 7:00 to 8:00 AM
Berkeley Heights YMCA with Andy, Courtney and Mara

Saturday, November 7 | 9:30 to 10:30 AM
Berkeley Heights YMCA with Monica and Dana

Sunday, November 8 | 8:00 to 9:00 AM
Summit YMCA with Andy, Courtney and Stewart

Register in GXPro. Spots fill up, so reserve your bike early!

Together, We Can Make Sure No One Goes Hungry This Season

Whether you ride, donate or do both, you’re helping families in our community celebrate the holidays with a warm meal.

QUESTIONS?

Team Member

Elisa Bowser

Director of Group Exercise

elisa.bowser@thesay.org