Argetina Aquino is the Parent Liaison at First Avenue School in Newark. Affectionately called Miss Aquino by parents and kids alike, she administers ...CFBNJ's Family Pack program at the school. Miss Aquino says that the program has improved the health and well-being of students while building community among the parents and school staff.

“We have a lot of diverse families here in Newark,” she told us. “The school has really built trust with them through the Family Pack program.”

She notes that Family Packs are especially helpful to immigrant families who have been vulnerable to the economic fallout of the pandemic, providing them with a secure source of food. About 300 Family Packs are given out at each of First Avenue School’s distributions.

“The Family Pack program does not only provide food but also healthy alternatives, as well,” she added. “There are even recipes inside to help parents stay on track with their kids’ health.”

During Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month and always, we recognize the achievements and contributions of the Hispanic/Latinx community, and we honor partners like Miss Aquino, who dedicate their lives to ensuring that no one must go without.

If you have diabetes, you are not alone. 1 in every 100 people is diabetic, so do your part to spread awareness! Living your best life is about ...having the right tools and knowledge to manage your diabetes. Here’s how. #WellnessWednesday

Join us for a LIVE look at an event celebrating year two of Growing Healthy Pantries, an initiative in partnership with Horizon Blue Cross Blue ...Shield of New Jersey, Food Bank of South Jersey, Fulfill, Mercer Street Friends, Norwescap New Jersey, and Feeding America.

Representatives from food banks and participating pantries will speak about what we've accomplished so far and what the future holds for this unique partnership.

After raising her four children, Barbara moved to Fortescue in Cumberland County to be immersed in the beautiful landscape and connect with nature. ...Every morning, she looks out her window at the Delaware Bay and sometimes spots turtles laying their eggs in her yard!

Living in a secluded community can offer unique challenges, however. Barbara’s nearest grocery store is 25 minutes away, and high prices make purchasing healthy and nutritious foods difficult. To ensure she has enough food every month, Barbara visits CFBNJ’s Fortescue mobile pantry.

“I’ve been visiting the pantry since it came to Fortescue, and really appreciate the fresh fruits and vegetables they provide. I recently made plum jam and peach cobbler with fruit from the mobile pantry!” she told us, describing how her favorite cobbler recipe is made.

Fortescue is a close-knit community, and Barbara shares food with friends and neighbors when they need it.

“I just wish more people who need it would take advantage of the great food resources at the pantry. It’s not a give out. It’s a give back, and every little bit helps,” Barbara said.

Get Barbara's peach cobbler recipe: cfbnj.org/neighbor-spotlight-meet-barbara

To all who observe, we at CFBNJ wish you a meaningful Yom Kippur.

If you receive SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, or Free Lunch, your household may be eligible for discounted internet and devices through the new Federal ...Communications Commission Affordable Connectivity Program that offers discounts of up to $30 per month on your internet service. Learn more at AffordableConnectivity.gov.

With help from donors like Santander Bank US, more than 2,800 of our neighbors have graduated from CFBNJ's Workforce Development program and ...gone on to be cooks, bakers, warehouse associates, business owners, and so much more.

We thank Santander Bank for their recent $10,000 grant that will support more graduations and successful careers!

CFBNJ's Women Fighting Hunger Luncheon is just over a month away, and the support we have received already is incredible. We are beyond grateful... for the generosity of this year’s Presenting Sponsor Wakefern Food Corp. and Luncheon Sponsor PNC.

Wakefern Food Corp., recognizable through its banners, such as ShopRite, has a long history of partnership with CFBNJ for over forty years. PNC is another steadfast partner of CFBNJ and has been a key sponsor of Women Fighting Hunger Luncheon since its inception in 2017.

Also vital to the success of the Luncheon are our event Chairs, gracing us with their unique contributions and dedication:

Virginia Alling, PNC Bank
Jill Gateman
Pam Kapsimalis
Wendy Lazarus
Karen Meleta, Wakefern Food Corp.
Kelsey Nakamura, JLL
Lynne Pagano
Lauren Parisier Weiss
Susan Present
Liz Schack Rabban
Gina Spinelli, PNC Bank

While the North Jersey Luncheon at Park Avenue Club is sold out, we welcome donations in support of our mission. All event donors will receive a complimentary link to the live streaming program for virtual participation. Tickets to the South Jersey Luncheon at Linwood Country Club are still available: cfbnj.org/luncheon

Join us for a LIVE celebration of our latest class of Workforce Development graduates! They leave CFBNJ prepared for careers as cooks, bakers, ...warehouse associates, and business owners.

This program is made possible with generous support from:
ADP Foundation
The Ardise Family
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Maureen and Richard Johnson
NJ Dept. of Labor SNAP STS
Prudential Foundation
Santander Bank US
ShopRite LPGA Classic
Target
TD Charitable Foundation