Food Bank of South Jersey: 10 Years of Fighting Hunger

The Need for Food Banks

In the United States, one in eight people struggles with hunger. That's more than 40 million people, including 13 million children. Hunger is a serious problem that has detrimental effects on health, education, and economic stability.

Food banks play a vital role in the fight against hunger. They collect food from a variety of sources, including food manufacturers, retailers, and individuals, and distribute it to soup kitchens, food pantries, and other organizations that provide food to people in need.

Food Bank of South Jersey

The Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) is a non-profit organization that serves Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties in New Jersey. FBSJ is the largest hunger-relief organization in South Jersey, distributing more than 10 million pounds of food to those in need each year.

FBSJ was founded in 1981 by a group of volunteers who were concerned about the growing problem of hunger in South Jersey. The organization started out small, but it has grown steadily over the years. Today, FBSJ has a staff of more than 50 employees and a network of more than 200 partner agencies.

How FBSJ Helps

FBSJ helps people in need in a variety of ways. The organization:

• Distributes food to soup kitchens, food pantries, and other organizations that provide food to people in need. FBSJ distributes a variety of food items, including canned goods, pasta, rice, beans, and produce.
• Provides financial assistance to soup kitchens and food pantries. FBSJ provides grants to soup kitchens and food pantries to help them cover the cost of food and other expenses.
• Educates the public about hunger. FBSJ conducts educational campaigns to raise awareness about the problem of hunger and to encourage people to get involved in the fight against it.

The Impact of FBSJ

FBSJ has a significant impact on the fight against hunger in South Jersey. The organization:

• Provides food to more than 100,000 people each year. FBSJ provides food to people of all ages, including children, seniors, and families.
• Helps to reduce food insecurity in South Jersey. FBSJ's efforts help to reduce food insecurity, which is a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.
• Promotes health and well-being. FBSJ's work helps to improve the health and well-being of people in South Jersey. Food is essential for good health, and FBSJ helps to ensure that people have access to the food they need to stay healthy.

How You Can Help

There are many ways to get involved in the fight against hunger. You can:

• Donate food to FBSJ. FBSJ accepts donations of non-perishable food items at its warehouse in Egg Harbor Township.
• Volunteer your time. FBSJ relies on volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, including sorting food, packing boxes, and delivering food to partner agencies.
• Make a financial donation. FBSJ is a non-profit organization, and it relies on donations to continue its work. You can make a financial donation online or by mail.

Conclusion

Hunger is a serious problem, but it is one that can be solved. With the help of organizations like FBSJ, we can ensure that everyone in South Jersey has access to the food they need to thrive.

Table 1: Key Facts About Hunger in the United States

Table 2: Food Bank of South Jersey Distribution Statistics

Table 3: Ways to Help Food Bank of South Jersey