New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin fondly reflects on his relationship with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) and his commitment to addressing hunger, a cause he has championed since taking office.
“One of my first actions as Speaker was to meet with the FoodBank,” he recalled. “I walked into their building and felt the warmth, the commitment. It felt like a place where people genuinely care about the community.”
Since 2018, Coughlin has made food insecurity a legislative priority, working to expand access to nutritious food and reduce the stigma surrounding hunger. Early in his tenure, he launched an annual event called Bowling for Hunger, bringing together community members to raise funds for local food pantries.
“We started small, but over the years, we’ve raised hundreds of thousands of dollars,” he shared. “It’s become a tradition and a way for people to connect with each other, all while supporting a cause that matters deeply to me.”
Coughlin’s connection to the FoodBank goes beyond policy work. He has developed a genuine admiration for the organization’s values and approach.
“For me, the FoodBank embodies dignity and respect for those in need. They’ve created a system where people can choose their food, much like any of us would at a grocery store,” he said. “That choice makes all the difference. It changes the experience for families and individuals. They don’t feel like they’re just receiving a handout; they feel seen and respected.”
Coughlin’s legislative efforts have focused on expanding the reach of food assistance programs, especially in underserved communities. He emphasizes that hunger isn’t an isolated issue; it’s deeply tied to other challenges like housing, employment, and healthcare.
“Addressing hunger means looking at the bigger picture,” he explained. “People who need food assistance often face multiple barriers, and if we can tackle hunger, we’re helping to lift up our communities in so many other ways.”
Looking toward the future, Coughlin has big hopes for the FoodBank’s continued success. “I’d love to see CFBNJ lead the way nationally in food insecurity efforts,” he said. “Hunger isn’t just a local issue; it’s something we all must address together. And I believe that with innovative thinking and partnerships, we can make New Jersey a model for the entire country.”
For Coughlin, the mission is clear: “We’re here to help people, to offer dignity, and to support our neighbors. And as long as I’m in this role, I’ll continue to champion that cause.” His vision for CFBNJ goes beyond temporary solutions; he envisions a future where no family must choose between paying bills and putting food on the table, a future he is determined to help realize.