From the Interfaith Food Pantry:
Interfaith Food Pantry Network Recognizes GAF for innovative volunteerism during pandemic.
MORRIS PLAINS, NJ: Parsippany-based roofing manufacturer GAF was awarded the “Golden Apple Award” by the Interfaith Food Pantry Network (IFPN) at a Virtual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020.
The annual event typically takes place in-person, but this year it was broadcast over Facebook Live from the IFPN warehouse and resource center in Morris Plains.
“Each year the Golden Apple Award is reserved for an exceptional organization that stands out among all others for volunteer service,” said Carolyn Lake, executive director.
“We were unanimous in our decision that GAF earned this award for their support and partnership in reviving our Free Farmers Markets during the pandemic.”
The Free Farmers Markets are special food distribution sessions where clients of the Pantry or its Network partners receive fresh produce in between their monthly grocery visits, to encourage healthy eating. At the onset of the COVID crisis the Markets had to be suspended due to the logistics of social distancing.
GAF leadership reached out with a plan to offer its parking lot at 1 Campus Drive in Parsippany, and transform the space into a large-scale, drive through Market throughout the summer. In addition to the space, they provided supplies, logistical support, a refrigerated truck and, on average, 40 volunteers to staff the bi-weekly sessions.
“Helping our neighbors and supporting our communities where we live and work is central to who we are at GAF,” said Jim Schnepper, president of GAF.
“We’re proud to have had the opportunity to partner with IFPN and our colleagues to help serve individuals and families across Morris County in a time of need.”
By the time the last market takes place on Oct. 23rd, GAF and IFPN will have distributed more than 100,000 pounds of produce from the campus, serving 3,500 families. Over 400 GAF employees will have donated more than 2,000 volunteer hours to IFPN.
In addition to the award given to GAF, IFPN recognized 12 other organizations and presented 71 individual milestone awards for individual volunteers ranging from 100 to 8,000 hours of service. More than 13,000 volunteer hours have been donated to IFPN this year.
Since March the IFPN has experienced a rapid and dramatic increase in requests for food assistance. The number of new families seeking help has quadrupled. So far this year, IFPN has served close to 21,000 households and distributed more than one million pounds of food.
About IFPN
The Interfaith Food Pantry Network is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) community-based organization that serves Morris County residents by providing food, education and related resources to Morris County residents during their time of need. For more information, visit www.mcifp.org.
