Local food assistance organizations came together for networking, speakers, and peer-to-peer discussions
PISCATAWAY, NJ — May 29, 2024
On Thursday, May 23, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Food Bank of South Jersey, Fulfill, Mercer Street Friends, and Norwescap hosted Feeding New Jersey 2024, the second annual statewide conference on food insecurity for food pantries, soup kitchens, and other local food assistance organizations. About 300 representatives from more than 100 nonprofits across the state attended the conference, which was held at Rutgers University.
Feeding New Jersey 2024 participants included experts, advocates, and volunteers, who attended sessions on topics ranging from fundraising to advocacy to farm-to-pantry partnerships with local farms. They discussed strategies to increase capacity and improve hunger-relief services around New Jersey. The schedule included a welcome address by New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, peer-to-peer discussions, a networking lunch, a talk by The Tepper Foundation, and plenary sessions on trauma-informed care and elevating neighbor voices.
“New Jersey is blessed with talented, tireless advocates for our neighbors in need,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “Events like Feeding NJ showcase that talent and give the people on the frontlines the opportunity to coordinate their work and support one another. I have worked closely with these advocates during my time as Speaker since the fight against hunger is the issue closest to my heart. In the legislature, we have increased investment to scale up innovative efforts and have seen real results in every corner of the state. I am very proud of our record and honored to be a part of this conference.”
The five New Jersey food banks host Feeding New Jersey annually to help strengthen partnerships among the state’s network of food assistance organizations in pursuit of a hunger-free Garden State.
“New Jersey is a national leader in the creation and implementation of innovative, neighbor-centered approaches to addressing food insecurity, like choice models and a focus on the healthiest options,” said Elizabeth McCarthy, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “I’m proud that, for a second year, Feeding New Jersey has brought together our state’s most steadfast advocates, from food banks to local organizations to government leaders. Together, we can pool our knowledge and resources to amplify our impact and make a lasting difference for neighbors in need.”
“It was incredible to gather with partners and peers from throughout the state for the second-annual Feeding New Jersey conference. This time together to share ideas, challenges and best practices is so vital in the fight against food insecurity,” said Fred C. Wasiak, President and CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey. “We’re so grateful to have the opportunity to lift up one another, fully embracing and acknowledging that we are better when we work in concert and that, together, we can change hunger in New Jersey.”
“At a time when more than one in ten of our NJ neighbors is facing hunger, doing more of the same is not enough: we must innovate and learn from each other to bring our best food security solutions forward,” said Triada Stampas, President & CEO of Fulfill. “The Feeding NJ conference shows what’s possible when people come together with the shared purpose of strengthening communities.”
“For another year, we come together, hand in hand, to ensure no one in New Jersey goes hungr. It is through our collective efforts that we sow seeds of resilience and dignity for a brighter tomorrow,” said Bernie Flynn, CEO of Mercer Street Friends. “When we combat food insecurity, we’re not just feeding people; we’re nourishing communities and building stronger, more resilient societies.”
“It was an amazing day of 300 plus food security frontline warriors from every corner of the State, sharing information and best practices,” said Mark Valli, Norwescap CEO. “Everyone in that conference is seeing the same dramatic increase in demand for food from the pantry network, so making sure that we are meeting this demand through innovation and experience is vital to the health of our neighbors and communities.”
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ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOODBANK OF NEW JERSEY
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), a member of Feeding America® and the state’s largest anti-hunger organization, has been delivering food, help, and hope across the Garden State for nearly 50 years. Last year, CFBNJ provided nutritious food for over 90 million meals through its network of more than 800 community partners, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, child and senior nutrition programs, and more, serving 11 New Jersey counties directly and four in partnership with affiliate food banks. It also addresses the root causes of food insecurity with supportive services like nutrition education, job training, SNAP outreach, and hygiene product distribution. By delivering neighbor-centered solutions and collaborating with all sectors of society, CFBNJ believes that food insecurity is a solvable problem.
ABOUT FOOD BANK OF SOUTH JERSEY
The Food Bank of South Jersey believes that no one should go to bed hungry. Since 1985, it has served the children, families and seniors of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties by distributing safe and healthy food, providing nutrition education and cooking courses and developing sustainable pathways for neighbors to improve their lives. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and member of Feeding America, FBSJ distributed more than 18 million meals in 2023, through direct distributions and its network of more than 200 partner agencies. For more information, visit FoodBankSJ.org.
ABOUT FULFILL FOOD BANK
Fulfill, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and member of Feeding America, has been providing food for families at the Jersey Shore for 40 years. Last year, through its network of nearly 300 community partners including food pantries and soup kitchens, it provided more than 15 million nutritious meals to families, children, seniors, veterans and more.
Fulfill also offers a suite of programs to connect people to the resources they need to become self-sufficient, including helping individuals and families obtain SNAP benefits and affordable health care and graduating adult students from our Culinary Skills Training program. Fulfill also assists families find help for utility expenses, connects seniors to needed services, provides free meals to children throughout the year, and cultivates school and community garden programs to help provide nutritious foods. To learn more about Fulfill’s programs or how to get involved, visit www.fulfillnj.org.
ABOUT MERCER STREET FRIENDS
Mercer Street Friends is a nonprofit organization that provides food for those who are food insecure, support for families, and educational opportunities that lead to better tomorrows. We work in collaboration with social and human service organizations, the Trenton School District and medical health resources to ensure that families of all ages and stages can access the services they need to live a more fulfilling life.
ABOUT NORWESCAP
Norwescap, a leading Community Action Agency founded in 1965, is dedicated to empowering families and individuals in New Jersey. Through a comprehensive array of services, Norwescap guides individuals through crises and challenges, helping them move toward a thriving future. Our programs address immediate needs and build long-term success strategies in education, employment, financial empowerment, health and nutrition, housing and community development, and volunteerism, embodying the spirit of community empowerment and self-sufficiency.
To learn more about Norwescap and its initiatives, please visit norwescap.org.
