Move for Hunger fights hunger nationwide

Monmouth County's Move for Hunger was started five years ago after founder, Adam Lowy, noticed a trend while working for his family's moving company.

Lowy realized many people were throwing out unused and unwanted food during the move, and he decided these items could be used to help people in need.

Director of Development Kristy Redford said, from there, efforts began to pick up the food and deliver it to local food banks. The idea was a success almost immediately, leading to the formation of Move for Hunger.

"We transform moving into an opportunity to reduce food waste and provide meals for the hungry," said.

The charity began partnering up with other moving companies around New Jersey and across the country to try and spread their idea to fight hunger. The results have been staggering.

"To date, since we started in 2009, we have delivered over four million pounds of food," Redford said. "Over 360,000 pounds of food has been delivered just in New Jersey because of Move for Hunger."

They are now partnered with more than 600 movers nationwide, including 31 in New Jersey.

Redford said they are focused on encouraging more people to hold food drives. They have helped coordinate 900 food drives around the nation.

Move for Hunger also continues to work to simply raise awareness about just how severe the issue of hunger is.

"One in eight people are struggling with hunger here in New Jersey," she explained.

The group will hold several events and food drives around the state in 2015, including during the weekend of the New Jersey Marathon in April.

They are also offering an opportunity for people to choose a mover that is participating by using their 'Find a Mover' map.

"Move for Hunger really gives you a very simple opportunity to give back," Redford said.

Learn more about this great Garden State charity and their upcoming events by visiting the Move for Hunger website and Facebook page.