Fighting Hunger in South Jersey: Holiday Meals & Community Support
As the holiday season approaches, families throughout South Jersey are planning their celebrations. However, for many, this time of year underscores the ongoing struggle with food insecurity. To address this issue, local organizations and volunteers are working tirelessly to ensure everyone can experience the warmth of the season.
In Camden, where over 31% of residents live in poverty, the need for support is especially urgent. To help, the Salvation Army partnered with the Food Bank of South Jersey to distribute more than 1,000 turkey meals to preregistered families. This initiative took place at the Camden Kroc Center on November 23, providing vital assistance to families in one of the state's most affected regions.
The Food Bank of South Jersey continues to respond to the growing demand for aid, serving approximately 170,000 individuals monthly. This Thanksgiving, the organization distributed 30,000 turkeys—6,000 more than last year. By the end of 2024, it aims to distribute 25 million pounds of food, an increase of 3 million pounds compared to 2023.
In Vineland, Inspira Medical Center demonstrated its commitment to the community by preparing and delivering over 700 holiday meals. With the help of more than 150 volunteers over three days, the meals, which included 1,000 pounds of turkey, were carefully crafted to meet various dietary needs, ensuring they were safe and nutritious for all recipients. David Mills, senior director of food and nutrition services at Morrison Healthcare, played a key role in coordinating efforts, while volunteers worked diligently to package meals with care.
While the holiday season brings heightened attention to food insecurity, hunger remains a year-round issue. In 2022, Feeding America reported that 10.7% of New Jersey residents faced food insecurity. Many seniors are forced to choose between food and medicine, parents skip meals so their children can eat, and veterans transitioning to civilian life often struggle to afford basic necessities.
To combat these challenges, the PSEG Foundation has committed $250,000 to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) over the next three years. This funding will support after-school meals, job training, and nutrition education programs for individuals and families in need. Earlier in November, PSEG employees partnered with CFBNJ to distribute 548 cases of turkeys and 2,000 holiday boxes, providing over 57,000 meals. Additionally, PSEG collaborates with organizations like the Food Bank of South Jersey and HomeFront to provide essential items, such as groceries, diapers, and school supplies, to families across Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties.
The Food Bank of South Jersey prioritizes offering nutritious and culturally appropriate meals to meet the diverse needs of the community with care and respect.
You, too, can make a difference. By volunteering, donating, or raising awareness, you can join the fight against hunger. For more information or to locate a nearby food pantry, visit foodbanksj.org.
South Jersey's collective efforts to reduce hunger through compassion and collaboration are truly inspiring. Together, we can work toward a future where no one has to face hunger alone.
In Camden, where over 31% of residents live in poverty, the need for support is especially urgent. To help, the Salvation Army partnered with the Food Bank of South Jersey to distribute more than 1,000 turkey meals to preregistered families. This initiative took place at the Camden Kroc Center on November 23, providing vital assistance to families in one of the state's most affected regions.
The Food Bank of South Jersey continues to respond to the growing demand for aid, serving approximately 170,000 individuals monthly. This Thanksgiving, the organization distributed 30,000 turkeys—6,000 more than last year. By the end of 2024, it aims to distribute 25 million pounds of food, an increase of 3 million pounds compared to 2023.
In Vineland, Inspira Medical Center demonstrated its commitment to the community by preparing and delivering over 700 holiday meals. With the help of more than 150 volunteers over three days, the meals, which included 1,000 pounds of turkey, were carefully crafted to meet various dietary needs, ensuring they were safe and nutritious for all recipients. David Mills, senior director of food and nutrition services at Morrison Healthcare, played a key role in coordinating efforts, while volunteers worked diligently to package meals with care.
While the holiday season brings heightened attention to food insecurity, hunger remains a year-round issue. In 2022, Feeding America reported that 10.7% of New Jersey residents faced food insecurity. Many seniors are forced to choose between food and medicine, parents skip meals so their children can eat, and veterans transitioning to civilian life often struggle to afford basic necessities.
To combat these challenges, the PSEG Foundation has committed $250,000 to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) over the next three years. This funding will support after-school meals, job training, and nutrition education programs for individuals and families in need. Earlier in November, PSEG employees partnered with CFBNJ to distribute 548 cases of turkeys and 2,000 holiday boxes, providing over 57,000 meals. Additionally, PSEG collaborates with organizations like the Food Bank of South Jersey and HomeFront to provide essential items, such as groceries, diapers, and school supplies, to families across Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties.
The Food Bank of South Jersey prioritizes offering nutritious and culturally appropriate meals to meet the diverse needs of the community with care and respect.
You, too, can make a difference. By volunteering, donating, or raising awareness, you can join the fight against hunger. For more information or to locate a nearby food pantry, visit foodbanksj.org.
South Jersey's collective efforts to reduce hunger through compassion and collaboration are truly inspiring. Together, we can work toward a future where no one has to face hunger alone.
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