Robert, Bill, and John are three of our most dedicated volunteers who became friends while helping out at CFBNJ. They come every week to scoop pasta, pack emergency meal kits, work in the kitchen, and more - assisting in any way that they can. Watch Learn More
Like many other pantries across the nation, our Egg Harbor Township location’s on-site Community Assistance Pantry experienced an unprecedented surge in demand amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. With food insecurity rates in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties among the highest in the state our Community Assistance Pantry has remained dedicated to maintaining the dignity and well-being of clients Learn More
In April at Essex County Branch Brook Park, previously the site of cheerful cherry blossom festivals, Kayla waited in her car early in the morning to get food assistance with her mom and brother. All three of them—like over a million others in our state—had been laid off from their jobs due to the pandemic. As Learn More
As the novel coronavirus broke out in our region, a perfect storm emerged within the emergency feeding network, resulting in increased demand, declines in donations of food, and disruptions to the charitable food assistance system’s operating model. Feeding America projects a 56% increase in New Learn More
On a chilly November morning in Paterson, dedicated volunteers Nancy, Bob, and Rochelle helped load 3,500 turkeys and 1,000 holiday boxes into the waiting vehicles of CFBNJ community partners. Rain or shine, they wanted to help families impacted by the pandemic share special holiday meals that they might’ve otherwise gone without. Bob is a business owner Learn More
Since last March, countless New Jersey residents have experienced the loss of crucial income from layoffs and reduced hours, as well as changes in their daily lives from the shutdown of businesses, schools, daycares, and after-school programs. Marissa, who we met in the early days of the pandemic, was one such New Jerseyan grappling with these unforeseen changes. “The adults in my Learn More
Father English Emergency Food Pantry in Paterson, Passaic County has seen an exponential increase in the number of families turning to them for food assistance since COVID-19 struck—from about 5,000 per month before the pandemic to more than 22,000 per month. In addition to maintaining pantry operations Learn More
Grace Beyond Our Doors in Northfield, Atlantic County has remained open through hurricanes, snowstorms, and most recently, COVID-19, knowing that emergencies are when the community needs them most. “People are hurting. They’re looking for some relief. We’ve seen it through bad weather, and we’re seeing it now. Learn More
Children are among those most heavily impacted by the lasting effects of the pandemic, as food insecurity among kids has risen by a shocking 75%. As schools, after-school programs, and daycare centers have largely been closed, many children have been left without their most reliable sources of nutritious food. For this reason, CFBNJ’s main priorities during the pandemic included elevating our child Learn More
Despite the unprecedented health crisis and a drop in food donations, St. Cecilia Office of Concern Food Pantry in Englewood, a pantry that got its start in 1980, kept its doors open through the entire pandemic. “We’ve stayed open throughout the pandemic because we’ve got to feed the people,” said Donald, Food Pantry Director. “Most of us Learn More