More than 100 grocery stores in northern New Jersey hosted the annual Action Against Hunger Food Drive Sunday, bringing in thousands of pounds of food for the needy.

Organizers say the food collection, which lasts about four hours outside each store, is the largest single food drive held in the state. Rev. Pat Bruger, of Action Against Hunger, says the number of new people coming to food pantries is still rising.

Despite the lagging economy, organizers say donations rose over the last year. Action Against Hunger is aiming to collect and distribute at least 100 tons of food.

Action Against Hunger