For tens of thousands of New Jerseyans this summer, getting adequate food was a daily problem, particularly for children, who lost access to a reliable source for meals when schools closed for the summer. The pandemic and economic fallout have exacerbated the problem, but thanks to the nearly $35,000 raised by the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) since it launched its Lawyers Feeding New Jersey (LFNJ) campaign in September 2019, thousands of residents, including many children, received nutritious meals through the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ).
“For some children, when there is no school, there is no consistent access to food. During this pandemic, we have seen unprecedented need amidst a crisis that has shaken the economy to its very core. Because of the Lawyers Feeding New Jersey campaign, hosted by the New Jersey State Bar Association and supported by its generous members, CFBNJ is able to ramp up efforts to provide for children and families in need this summer. We are grateful that they have never wavered in support of our mission,” said Carlos M. Rodriguez, president and CEO of CFBNJ.
LFNJ donations helped fund CFBNJ’s Summer Food Service Program, which provided healthy food prepared by professional staff, volunteers and its Food Service Training Academy students. Over 100,000 nutritionally balanced meals were served at 57 sites across New Jersey, including camps, Boys and Girls Clubs and libraries.
Additionally, for the first time CFBNJ started providing summer family packs, which are usually given out only during the school year. Nearly 15,000 family packs, each with enough nonperishable food to sustain a struggling family for several days, were distributed to 27 participating sites in five counties. Fresh produce, much of it from local farms, was also included.
Click here to donate to Lawyers Feeding NJ.