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State Farm agents and employees sort and pack donated food at the Food Bank of South Jersey warehouse. (Photo provided)
Food insecurity can happen at any moment. The sudden loss of a job, an illness or an unexpected rise in healthcare or utility costs can all destructively impact someone’s ability to put food on the table.
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Unfortunately, 812,000 New Jersey residents struggle with hunger, according to Feeding America. Nearly 200,000 of these residents are children.
Fortunately, the Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) creates an immediate solution to hunger by providing food to people in need through local partner agencies across Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem Counties. Founded in 1985, FBSJ also teaches people to eat nutritiously and helps them find sustainable ways to improve their lives.
FBSJ relies on community partners, like State Farm, to carry out its mission. Since 2017, the company has provided FBSJ with $74,000 in funding. State Farm not only provides grant money but also volunteer service.
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“Right now, our region is experiencing a significant increase in need, making the generosity of our partners paramount to feeding our neighbors,” said Fred C. Wasiak, President & CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey. “We are grateful to State Farm for their ongoing support of South Jersey and their impact in helping us change hunger.”
Over the years, State Farm agents have sorted and packed food in FBSJ’s Pennsauken warehouse, as well as handed out food at Hope Mobile sites across South Jersey. These mobile food pantries, set up in neighborhoods designated as “food deserts,” deliver healthy foods to underserved populations so that families can easily access fresh produce, dairy and frozen proteins.
“Part of our mission at State Farm is to help people realize their dreams,” says State Farm Corporate Responsibility Analyst Jennifer Young. “We are proud to support the Food Bank as they support neighbors in need, as well as help South Jersey communities to thrive.”
In 2023, FBSJ distributed 22.1M pounds of healthy food, or the equivalent of 18.4M meals, to food-insecure individuals, seniors, and families.
Because hunger impacts a child’s ability to learn, sleep well, grow and develop properly, FBSJ’s Kids Thrive 365 programs are aimed at combatting childhood hunger and ensuring that South Jersey children have the opportunity to be their best every day. Such initiatives include the Afterschool Snack Pack, Weekend Meal Pack, School Pantry and Summer Meals programs.
Visit the Food Bank of South Jersey’s site for more information on the organization’s programs and resources.
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