We at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey join the rest of our nation in grieving the senseless murder of George Floyd and many others. We are devastated by the blatant acts of racism that persist across the country and in our own communities.
For 45 years, we have been dedicated to extinguishing hunger and its root causes for all of our neighbors in need, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. We know that lack of food access and racial inequality go hand in hand, and we cannot and will not ignore the sobering reality that the African American community and people of color disproportionately suffer with poverty and food insecurity.
Systemic racism is at the core of major issues that exacerbate hunger across America, and never has this been more apparent than during the ongoing pandemic. The need for food assistance is growing at an alarming rate, especially among black Americans and other minorities, who have been heavily affected by the health and economic effects of COVID-19.
As the largest anti-hunger, anti-poverty organization in New Jersey, we will lend our voice against the violence and hatred that have no place in our society, and we will work tirelessly for equitable access to food for all of our neighbors. In this time of crisis, and always, we are there for those who need us now more than ever, providing food for today, help for tomorrow, and hope for the future.