Move For Hunger’s Lowy named a state ‘Young Changemaker’
Accocolade recognizes innovative solution to hunger crisis
Move for Hunger founder Adam Lowy [shown at right below] has been named one of New Jersey’s four Young Changemakers by the Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ).
Lowy’s nonprofit company works with moving and relocation companies across the nation to collect nonperishable food items and distribute them to local food banks.
CFNJ is recognizing Lowy for his innovative solution to the ongoing issue of hunger across the nation.
Move for Hunger grew out of Lowy’s family-owned moving company, started by his great-grandfather over 90 years ago. Instead of just moving boxes and furniture, Lowy saw an opportunity to transport food donations that would otherwise be discarded.
“Adam was appalled at the amount of food that is wasted when families move,” said Helen Mazarakis, a member of the CFNJ board and chair of its Public Awareness Committee, which selected the honorees. “But how he channeled that frustration is what makes him stand out. His advocacy is improving the lives of countless individuals and families who struggle with hunger day to day.”
Since its summer 2009 launch Move for Hunger has delivered 4,178,962 meals, moved 5.5 million pounds of food and held nearly 1,000 food drives. The company works with over 600 moving and relocation companies and thousands of real estate partners to educate the public on local hunger issues.
Lowy has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 leader and by VH1’s Do Something Award.
“I am so honored to be recognized among the other incredible Changemakers,” said Lowy. “It has been my mission to mobilize the relocation industry to reduce food waste and help feed the hungry. I hope this award helps to raise awareness about this important issue our state faces.”
The other Changemakers being honored Thursday include Dominique Lee of Brick, founder and executive director of Building Responsible Intelligent Creative Kids, which is turning around two schools in Newark’s South Ward; Jasmine Moreano, director of community engagement at City Green, which facilitates the creation of urban farms and markets that yield jobs and education in Passaic County; and Aakash Shah, founder and director of Be Jersey Strong, which seeks to help the 250,000 uninsured New Jerseyans sign up for health insurance during the next open enrollment period of the Affordable Care Act, according to a news release.
Each Young Changemaker will be presented with a $2,500 prize during CFNJ’s 35th Anniversary celebration.
Established in 1979, the Community Foundation of New Jersey’s mission is to support charitable giving that is inspired by its fundholders, targeted at making communities stronger, driven by creative solutions, and effective in achieving lasting change, according to a written statement. Through a combination of Legacy Funds and Donor Advised Funds, the foundation has granted an average of more than $30 million each year to charitable organizations and currently stewards over $320 million in charitable assets for current needs and future challenges.
Move for Hunger is located at 814 Asbury Avenue, Second Floor. For more information, call (732) 774-0521 or visit their website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
[Photos courtesy of Move For Hunger]
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