#USA #Englewood #MLK Day #Center for Food Action #Childhood Food Insecurity

Center for Food Action Launches 50th Anniversary with MLK Day of Service

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Center for Food Action (CFA) will commemorate its 50th anniversary by hosting the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. This significant gathering aims to unite the community in honoring Dr. King's legacy through meaningful volunteer work.

The event will take place at the Community Baptist Church of Englewood, where volunteers will assemble 2,000 Weekend Snack Packs. These packs are crucial in providing children with reliable nutrition on weekends when school meals are not available. The initiative reflects CFA's commitment to combating childhood food insecurity in northern New Jersey, where many kids rely on school meals as their primary source of sustenance during weekdays.

Nicole Davis, the director of the Center for Food Action, articulated the importance of this volunteering effort. “For many children, school meals are their most reliable source of nutrition during the week,” she stated. “By assembling Weekend Snack Packs, volunteers help ensure children at risk of weekend hunger have access to food when school is out. This gathering reflects the spirit of service that Dr. King championed and highlights the power of collective action to uplift our community.”

Every year, CFA’s Day of Service attracts individuals and families who want to contribute positively to their local area. The event serves as not only an opportunity to support children in need but also as a chance to engage in community bonding and collective effort.

Dr. Theodora Lacey, who is notable for her work alongside Martin Luther King Jr. during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, will chair the event. Her presence underscores the historical significance of Dr. King's work and ethos, further inspiring volunteers to participate in the day's activities with a sense of purpose and connection to the civil rights movement.

CFA expresses gratitude to local businesses and individuals who have sponsored this event. Their generosity is vital for making this and many other initiatives possible, enabling CFA to continue its mission of supporting vulnerable families throughout the year.

To participate, community members are encouraged to register online. Visit CFA Registration Link to find more information about the event and how you can contribute.

Event Details:

• - Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
• - Time: 12:00 PM
• - Location: Community Baptist Church of Englewood

About Center for Food Action

Founded in 1976, the Center for Food Action is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing emergency services to the most impoverished and vulnerable residents of northern New Jersey. The CFA supports low-income individuals and families by offering food, rental, utility, and heating assistance, as well as advocacy and counseling services. As the organization marks its 50th year of service, it continues to make a significant impact in the lives of those it helps within the community.