Feeding the Hungry: NJCPA's Relentless Fight Against Food Insecurity

The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA) has once again stepped up to the plate, launching its 15th annual food drive to support the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. This initiative, which runs from now until November 15th, aims to collect both physical and online donations to aid the FoodBank's mission of distributing food to charities, soup kitchens, and other organizations in need across the state.

Empowering Communities, One Meal at a Time

Addressing the Hunger Crisis in New Jersey

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey serves 15 counties in the state, providing more than 90 million meals annually through its extensive network. However, the need remains dire, with nearly 18% of children in South Jersey facing hunger, according to the FoodBank's own data. This alarming statistic underscores the critical importance of the NJCPA's food drive, as it seeks to alleviate the burden of food insecurity for the most vulnerable members of the community.

A Decade of Dedication: NJCPA's Unwavering Commitment

Since 2010, the NJCPA has donated nearly 25,000 pounds of food to the FoodBank, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the cause. This year, the organization has enlisted the support of various accounting firms and organizations across the state, creating a collaborative effort to maximize the impact of the food drive.

Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

The food drive is spearheaded by the NJCPA Emerging Leaders Council, an appointed leadership group that addresses the needs of NJCPA members with up to 10 years of experience, including aspiring CPAs and new licensees. This strategic move not only engages the next generation of accounting professionals but also instills a sense of social responsibility and community service within the industry.

A Call to Action: Donating Time, Funds, and Nonperishable Goods

The NJCPA is accepting both financial and physical donations to support the food drive. Monetary contributions can be made online through the NJCPA website, while non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the various participating locations throughout the state. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the NJCPA can cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its donors, making it easier for individuals and organizations to contribute to the cause.

Collaborative Efforts: Accounting Firms Unite for a Common Goal

The NJCPA has enlisted the support of several accounting firms and organizations, including Alloy, Silverstein, Shapiro, Adams, Mulford, Cicalese, Wilson & Co., Bowman & Company LLP, CFGI, CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), Deloitte & Touche LLP, Forvis Mazars USA LLP, Gold Gerstein Group, Holman, Frenia, Allison P.C., Meisel, Tuteur & Lewis, P.C., Nisivoccia LLP, Paymedia, LLC, PKF O'Connor Davies, LLP, Prager Metis CPAs, Smolin, Lupin & Co., LLC, Wagner Shields & Moini, LLP, and WilkinGuttenplan. This collaborative effort not only amplifies the reach of the food drive but also demonstrates the accounting industry's commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

Measuring Success: Surpassing Previous Milestones

Last year, the NJCPA's food drive collected more than 2,300 pounds of non-perishable items and canned goods, as well as nearly $23,000 in monetary contributions. This year, the organization is poised to exceed these impressive figures, thanks to the continued support of its members and the broader community.

A Shared Responsibility: Empowering the Accounting Profession to Make a Difference

"It's important to realize that New Jersey has many pockets of vulnerable citizens, and we have a real opportunity to make an impact," said Joseph Hunt, CPA, PSA, manager in the nonprofit group at CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) LLP and chair of the NJCPA Emerging Leaders Council. This sentiment echoes the NJCPA's commitment to leveraging the expertise and resources of the accounting profession to address the pressing issue of food insecurity in the state.

A Proud Legacy: NJCPA's Unwavering Dedication to Community Welfare

"I am proud that our members continue to give of themselves and donate their time and financial resources to the well-being of others," said Aiysha (AJ) Johnson, MA, IOM, CEO and executive director at the NJCPA. "Taking steps to eradicate hunger is an important responsibility that our members have supported for years." This statement underscores the NJCPA's long-standing dedication to community service and its unwavering commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.