Here at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, we will never forget when Hurricane Sandy struck our shores nearly seven years ago. Having already faced a high demand for food in the days leading up to Sandy, we were confronted with a whole new set of challenges after the storm, as even more people came to us for help while we were left without power for several days because we did not have a generator.
Unfortunately, if another disaster were to hit New Jersey, not having a generator puts the FoodBank at risk of being unable to accept critical food donations to help respond to the crisis.
Superstorm Sandy and the recent statewide power outages served as powerful reminders of the importance of being prepared for any emergency that comes our way. The FoodBank is a critical agency responsible for New Jersey’s infrastructure and food distribution during a state of emergency. During a disaster, our commercial kitchen, manned by our Food Service Training Academy students, can supply approximately 35,000 hot meals and 50,000 cold ones daily, on top of the provisions in our warehouse that can support millions of nutritious meals.
With this in mind, we are working diligently to raise $265,000 towards the purchase and installation of a generator, along with an electrical update to accommodate it. With this new equipment, we’ll be able to operate immediately after a disaster, loss of power, or any other emergency that comes our way.
“I’ve made disaster preparedness a top priority at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey,” said FoodBank President & CEO Carlos Rodriguez. “Our ability to provide emergency food impacts the well-being of all New Jersey citizens, not just those that regularly rely on food assistance.”
Prior to joining the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Carlos was the executive director of Fulfill (Monmouth and Ocean Counties) when Hurricane Sandy struck. He knows firsthand how important it is to have a generator during hurricane season.
“Our food distribution demands doubled in the days and weeks after the storm,” Rodriguez said. “But we had generator power and were able to keep 10,000 turkeys frozen during the disaster, allowing us to meet the immediate needs of our struggling community–and save Thanksgiving.”
With your help, we will be ready to assist our community in times of greatest need. Your support will go directly toward the cost of a much-needed generator and the necessary electrical upgrade to make it happen.
The FoodBank strives to help you and your family in the event of an emergency, too! Keep this emergency food checklist on hand to make sure that you have the following food items in your home…
