FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nicole Williams, Communications & Public Relations Manager
nwilliams@cfbnj.org / 732-798-5213
COMMUNITY FOODBANK OF NEW JERSEY AND CASINO REINVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY CONFER GRANT
AWARDS TO 15 ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING FOOD ASSISTANCE IN ATLANTIC CITY
Nearly $500,000 will provide critical funding in a city hard-hit by the pandemic
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ—April 19, 2022
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) today announced the selection of 15 organizations to receive grants through an almost $500,000 commitment to fund nonprofits doing food assistance work in Atlantic City. Awards ranging from $2,800 to $57,000 were given to help organizations expand their operations and/or implement creative approaches to advancing the food security of Atlantic City residents in need. Distribution of funds to selected nonprofits will be facilitated by the Community Foundation of New Jersey.
This was the second round of grants provided by CFBNJ as part of its multi-year, multi-million-dollar commitment to supporting hunger-relief organizations as they respond to the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Innovative work chosen to receive grant funding includes a community garden, translation services for immigrant clients, a workforce development program for parents and children, and a mobile pantry paired with a literacy program, and more.
“Atlantic City has been hit hard by the pandemic’s economic effects, but we are heartened that so many incredible organizations have stepped up to do their part,” said Carlos Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “With leadership support from CRDA, CFBNJ is happy to provide funds that will help innovate in the fight against hunger in Atlantic City.”
CFBNJ and CRDA have partnered closely throughout the pandemic, working to help casino employees and Atlantic City residents grappling with unprecedented levels of unemployment and food insecurity. Together, the organizations hosted dozens of large-scale distributions, providing nonperishable emergency food boxes and supplemental fresh produce that helped struggling households keep food on their tables.
“CRDA is committed to addressing food insecurity in Atlantic City and we are proud to partner with Community FoodBank of New Jersey to provide support to families in need during these unprecedented times,” said CRDA Interim Executive Director Monica de los Rios.
CFBNJ continues to distribute more food than ever before – about 50% more than pre-pandemic. Many local nonprofits are seeing a similar increase in demand for their services, and as food costs have risen and many pandemic safety nets have expired, it is more important than ever to support organizations working to combat hunger.
Organizations that received funds through this localized round of grants include:
- Atlantic Cape Community College
- Atlantic City Vietnamese Group
- Bangladesh Association of South Jersey
- Beron Jewish Older Adult Services
- Better Tomorrows
- Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City
- Communities Revolutionizing Open Public Spaces (C.R.O.P.S. NJ)
- Everywhere and Now Public Housing Residents Organizing Nationally Together
- Friends of Jean Webster, Inc.
- HR Recovery Initiative A NJ Nonprofit Corporation
- Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties
- Mighty Writers
- Salvation Army Atlantic City Corps
- South Jersey AIDS Alliance
- Stockton University
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The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), a member of Feeding America®, has been delivering food, help and hope across the state for more than 45 years. Last year, CFBNJ provided nutritious food for over 85 million meals through its network of more than 800 community partners including pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, mobile pantries, and child and senior feeding programs throughout the 15 New Jersey counties it serves. For our hungry neighbors, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey is the powerful agent of change that fills the emptiness caused by hunger and provides resources that are essential to earning a sustainable living.