Top Food Banks in New Jersey – Locations and Services

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If you’re searching for food banks in New Jersey, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re in need or looking to help, New Jersey is home to a variety of food banks and pantries that provide essential services to communities across the state. This guide offers a comprehensive list of food banks in New Jersey, helping you find the nearest location to access nutritious meals or volunteer your time to support others.

Community FoodBank of New Jersey

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) serves as the state’s largest anti-hunger organization, working to distribute food to over 800 community partners, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters across the state. Their programs not only focus on food distribution but also address the root causes of hunger. CFBNJ offers initiatives like job training, nutrition education, and assistance with SNAP applications to help New Jersey residents achieve long-term food security. The organization operates from two main locations, Hillside and Egg Harbor Township, and is deeply involved in advocating for policies that promote food access for all.

  • Location: 31 Evans Terminal, Hillside, NJ 07205
  • Service Counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, Warren
  • Contact Number: (908) 355-3663
  • Website: cfbnj.org

Fulfill (Formerly FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties)

Fulfill, serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties, has been a vital resource for over 30 years, providing more than 1,000,000 meals each month through its network of nearly 300 feeding agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. Beyond food distribution, Fulfill offers programs aimed at helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency. These programs include assistance with SNAP applications, affordable healthcare, housing support, and a 13-week culinary training program designed to help individuals gain valuable job skills. Fulfill operates from two locations: the Neptune Facility in Monmouth County and The B.E.A.T. Center in Ocean County​.

The Food Bank of South Jersey

The Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) serves as the primary hunger relief organization for Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties. FBSJ provides millions of meals annually through its network of over 200 partner agencies, including food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens. In addition to food distribution, FBSJ offers various programs to address the root causes of hunger, such as nutrition education, healthy cooking classes, and job training initiatives. Their work is centered on the belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious food and the opportunity to lead a healthy life.

Mercer Street Friends Food Bank

Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, based in Trenton, New Jersey, focuses on alleviating hunger in Mercer County. They distribute food to a network of over 100 partner agencies, including pantries, shelters, and meal programs. The organization also runs several targeted programs to address food insecurity, such as the Send Hunger Packing program, which provides weekend meals to school children, and the Food for Families program, which supplies groceries to low-income families. Mercer Street Friends is dedicated to addressing the underlying causes of poverty through various supportive services.

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NORWESCAP Food Bank

NORWESCAP Food Bank serves Warren, Sussex, and Hunterdon counties, distributing millions of pounds of food annually to a network of over 120 pantries, shelters, and meal programs. The organization also focuses on initiatives that address the broader issues of poverty and hunger, including financial empowerment, job training, and education programs. NORWESCAP’s comprehensive approach aims to help individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life.

Elijah’s Promise

Elijah’s Promise, located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, operates a community kitchen that serves hot meals daily and provides a food pantry to help those in need. The organization is also known for its culinary training program, which offers job training to individuals looking to enter the food service industry. Elijah’s Promise focuses on breaking the cycle of poverty through education, job training, and community support, all while ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food.

Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK)

The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) provides hot meals and groceries to individuals and families in need throughout Mercer County. In addition to food services, TASK offers a range of support programs, including adult education, job search assistance, and social services, aiming to help clients achieve self-sufficiency. TASK is dedicated to serving those in need with dignity and respect, helping them improve their lives through access to essential resources and services.

How New Jersey Food Banks Operate

Food banks in New Jersey operate through a coordinated network that involves the collection, storage, and distribution of food to those in need. These organizations source food from various avenues, including donations from individuals, grocery stores, and food manufacturers, as well as through federal and state food assistance programs. Once collected, the food is stored in large warehouses where it is sorted, packed, and distributed to partner agencies such as food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and community centers. These partner agencies are responsible for getting the food directly to individuals and families in need. Additionally, New Jersey food banks often offer educational programs, nutrition counseling, and assistance with applications for government assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).

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How to Donate to Food Banks in New Jersey

  1. Monetary Donations: The most efficient way to support food banks is through monetary donations. Funds can be used to purchase fresh produce, dairy, and other perishable items that are not always available through food donations.
  2. Food Donations: Non-perishable food items such as canned goods, pasta, and rice can be donated directly to food banks or through organized food drives. Many food banks also accept fresh produce and other perishable items.
  3. Volunteer Your Time: Volunteering at a food bank is another impactful way to contribute. Volunteers help with sorting and packing food, distributing meals, and assisting with various food bank programs.
  4. Corporate Sponsorship: Businesses can partner with food banks through sponsorship programs, matching gift programs, or by organizing company-wide food drives.
  5. Host a Food Drive: Individuals or organizations can organize food drives in their communities to collect much-needed food items for local food banks.

Importance of New Jersey Food Banks

New Jersey food banks play a critical role in addressing food insecurity across the state. With nearly one million residents facing food insecurity, including over 260,000 children, food banks provide a lifeline to those struggling to afford nutritious meals. Beyond immediate hunger relief, food banks contribute to the overall well-being of communities by offering educational programs, job training, and access to other social services. By addressing both the symptoms and root causes of hunger, New Jersey food banks not only help feed those in need but also work towards long-term solutions to poverty and food insecurity. These efforts are essential in ensuring that all residents have access to the resources they need to lead healthy and productive lives.