Bergen County Soup-er Bowl Delivers Over 8,000 Cans in Community Food Drive; Bergen Academies Clinches Back-to-Back Championship
Hackensack – While the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles geared up for the Super Bowl in New Orleans, students across Bergen County were hard at work for an equally important cause—fighting hunger in our community. The 2025 Bergen County Soup-er Bowl, an annual canned food drive organized by the Bergen County Office of Food Security under the Bergen County Department of Human Services, has successfully collected more than 8,000 cans of food.
This year’s initiative saw an impressive collaboration among 13 high schools and two middle schools, including notable participation from Bergen County Academies, Bergen County Tech (Paramus and Teterboro campuses), Applied Tech High School, Rutherford High School, Garfield High School, Elmwood Park High School, Paramus High School, Leonia High School, Fort Lee High School, River Dell High School, Ramapo High School, and Demarest Middle School. In addition, students in grades 6 to 10 at the Academy of Holy Angels contributed to the effort. The collection drive kicked off during the first weekend of the Super Bowl playoffs in January and continued through the Friday before the big game, ensuring community momentum and widespread participation.
“Our pantries have seen a 26% increase in demand just this past calendar year, so the results of this effort will be critical to stock the empty pantry shelves,” said Commissioner Tracy Zur. “Not only will the results of this food drive feed thousands, but the real key is engaging our students in being part of strengthening the fabric of our community. Their efforts and their energies help to raise awareness of the need in Bergen County and ensure that our next generation will be change makers going forward.”
“Our community’s effort in collecting over 8,000 cans is a powerful reminder that when we unite, we not only meet immediate needs but also build a future of compassion and resilience,” said Bergen County Executive James Tedesco. “The true victory of this Soup-er Bowl is in how it inspires our students and volunteers to actively strengthen the fabric of Bergen County, ensuring that every act of service today cultivates the leaders of tomorrow.”
While a single champion is crowned each year, the real triumph is felt across the community. The canned goods gathered through the 2025 Soup-er Bowl will support local food pantries, including the Center for Food Action, the Open Door Community Center of South Hackensack, the Rutherford Community Food Pantry, the Elmwood Park Resident Assistance Program, the Humanity Food Pantry at Garfield Middle School, Cresskill Cares, the Wholesum Pantry of Norwood, the Franciscan Community Development Center in Fairview, the Paramus Community Food Pantry, and the Parkside Community Church and Westwood United Methodist Church Food Pantries.
After a spirited competition, Bergen County Academies has been named this year’s champion—making it a remarkable back-to-back win. Their outstanding effort not only led the drive in numbers but also inspired other schools and community members to contribute generously.
The Bergen County Soup-er Bowl exemplifies the spirit of community service and solidarity. As students, educators, and residents celebrate this year’s achievements, the event serves as a powerful reminder that every contribution counts when it comes to supporting our neighbors in need.
About Bergen County Office of Food Security:
The Bergen County Office of Food Security, operating under the Bergen County Department of Human Services, is committed to alleviating hunger and ensuring food access for all residents. Through community engagement and strategic partnerships with local organizations and schools, the office leads initiatives like the Soup-er Bowl to foster a caring, resilient, and united Bergen County.