Food banks and charities across the state say they have a short-term solution for the reusable grocery bags piling up in people’s home — donate them. Places like the Community Food Bank of New Jersey report being desperate for bag donations, as they continue to help a rising number of families in need, a surge that began at the start of the pandemic. The organization launched a website that has details of where people can donate clean, like-new reusable bags at 300 pantries and distribution centers.
Fulfill Food Bank, which operates in Monmouth and Ocean counties, also accepts bag donations. And representatives from the Food Bank of South Jersey say they’re in need of reusable bags in good condition for locations in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties.
As part of New Jersey’s law that banned single-use plastic and paper bags, food banks were given an extension until Nov. 4 to make the switch. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Bob Smith (D-Middlesex) said he’s working on an amendment to the law that would allow the use of paper bags under some circumstances.
