Hunger is a growing issue in New Jersey, with many families, seniors, and individuals struggling to get enough food every day.
Rising living costs, unemployment, and unexpected expenses make it difficult for many people to afford the food they need.
Thankfully, many groups are working together to help fight hunger.
Programs are in place to provide meals for seniors who cannot leave their homes, teach families how to prepare healthy meals on a budget and deliver food to those in need during the busiest times of the year.
Here’s a closer look at how these initiatives are bringing hope and improving lives across the state.
- Jersey City is teaming up with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) to provide healthy eating and fitness workshops, helping people make better health choices.
- Companies like South Jersey Industries (SJI) are donating large amounts of money to food banks to meet the growing need for food, especially during the holidays.
- Jersey City is using extra grant money to expand its meal program for seniors who can’t leave their homes, showing its commitment to helping people in need.
Nutrition Education Programs in Jersey City
Jersey City is working with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) to run programs that teach about healthy eating and staying active.
The city council approved this partnership on December 11, and the program will continue until 2025.
CFBNJ is holding workshops to help people learn how to make better food choices and live healthier lives.
Jersey City is helping by providing places for the events, finding people to join, and keeping track of who attends. CFBNJ also helps clean up after each session.
This program is part of the New Jersey Snap-Ed Nutrition and Fitness Education initiative.
Its goal is to help people build healthier habits and improve their overall well-being.
Generous Donations From South Jersey Industries
South Jersey Industries (SJI) strongly supports the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.
The company donated $81,760 for 2024 and has promised $103,003 for 2025 through its employee giving campaign.
These donations will provide more than 300,000 meals for families in need.
CFBNJ President Elizabeth McCarthy said that partnerships like the one with SJI are vital to meeting the growing demand for food assistance.
CFBNJ works with over 800 partners, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and programs for children and seniors, to make sure help reaches everyone who needs it.
Lisa Bond-Holland, SJI’s vice president, shared how proud the company is of supporting CFBNJ.
She said that hunger is a serious issue and that SJI is committed to making a difference.
Helping Families During the Holidays in South Jersey
The holiday season can be tough for families struggling with hunger.
Organizations in South Jersey are working hard to make sure people can celebrate with a good meal.
In Camden, the Salvation Army and the Food Bank of South Jersey gave families more than 1,000 turkey meals on November 23.
Camden has a poverty rate of over 31%, so this effort is especially important.
In Vineland, Inspira Medical Center volunteers prepared more than 700 holiday meals.
Over three days, they cooked 1,000 pounds of turkey, sliced pies, and packed cranberry sauce.
The meals were handed out to hospital patients, staff, and community members.
Many meals were customized for people with special dietary needs, like diabetes or food allergies.
David Mills, who manages food services at the hospital, said the volunteers worked hard to make sure every meal was ready on time.
Julie Ellis, a hospital vice president, said she feels grateful to be part of this yearly tradition of helping others.
Jersey City Expands Senior Meal Program
Jersey City is increasing its funding for a meal program that serves homebound seniors.
Hudson County added $15,000 to the 2024 Peer Grouping Meal Program budget, bringing the total to $55,000.
This program provides meals on weekdays and weekends to seniors under 60 who cannot leave their homes.
The city’s Department of Health and Human Services runs the program and ensures meals are delivered to those in need.
The extra funding is another way Jersey City is working to support its most vulnerable residents.
The Rising Need for Hunger Relief
Food insecurity continues to rise in New Jersey.
The Food Bank of South Jersey handed out 30,000 turkeys in 2023, 6,000 more than the previous year.
They expect to distribute 25 million pounds of food in 2024, up by 3 million pounds.
Feeding America reported that 10.7% of New Jersey residents were food insecure in 2022, but the actual number of people needing help grows every year.
Food insecurity affects everyone differently.
Seniors often have to choose between buying food or paying for medicine.
Parents skip meals so their kids can eat.
Veterans returning to civilian life may struggle to afford basic needs.
How You Can Help
If you want to help, there are many ways to get involved:
- Donate food or money to local food banks, such as the Community Food Bank of New Jersey or the Food Bank of South Jersey.
- Volunteer at meal distribution events.
- Organize food drives in your community.
You can visit the Food Bank of South Jersey’s website at foodbanksj.org to learn more about donating or volunteering.
A small amount of your time or a little donation can really help.
Together, we can make life better for families, seniors, and individuals in need.
