The Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, Troop 1457 donated more than 300 pounds of food and over $300 in gift cards to benefit Brookdale’s Helping Hands.

Members of the troop wanted to help those less fortunate. The girls stood outside of the Acme on Route 35 in Wall on Sunday, May 19 to collect donations.  This was not the first time the Girl Scouts have donated to Helping Hands. They also collected food last year they donated as well.

“I’m so glad that they were able to contribute this cause because the need is real,” said Synde Kaufman, administrator of Brookdale’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program. According to a recent national study, many college students struggle with food insecurity, meaning they do not have reliable, daily access to food. Brookdale also surveyed students and found many barriers students face, including housing and food insecurities.

Brookdale’s Helping Hands provides food for students in need. At all of Brookdale’s Higher Education Centers and in a number of buildings on campus, students can take grab-and-go snacks from orange baskets set up in various locations.

“All of us have been trying to work together to help our students who really need the help,” Kaufman said.

For more information about food insecure college students, visit http://neatoday.org/2016/10/26/hunger-on-college-campuses/

Photo Caption:

Pictured (left to right) are Girl Scouts  Leia, Lily, Aria and Charlotte collecting donations for Brookdale’s Helping Hands.