In an effort to support communities across New Jersey this summer, Community Offshore Wind partnered with 10 hunger relief organizations across the state to distribute more than 60,000 meals of fresh, locally sourced seafood to families in need. Community Offshore Wind collaborated with New Jersey-based seafood processors to donate more than 5,800 pounds of fish and 50,000 servings of clam chowder, helping to alleviate food insecurity and ensure equitable access to healthy, fresh food.
Participating hunger relief organizations included MEND Hunger Relief Network, the Interfaith Food Pantry Network (Morris County), CUMAC (Passaic County), Franklin Food Bank (Somerset County), Atlantic City Rescue Mission, Wind Port Catholic Charities of Penns Grove Food Pantry, Victory Assembly of God in Pittsgrove, Community Food Bank of NJ, Fulfill Monmouth Food Bank and Bethel Commandment Church.
“We understand the vital role that local fisheries play in hunger relief efforts throughout our region,” Pat Johnson, vice president and deputy project director of Community Offshore Wind, said. “During the summer season, we are aiming to increase access to sustainable and healthy seafood for families in overburdened communities. In addition to helping families in need, we are proudly supporting fisheries in New Jersey, contributing to maintaining active working waterfronts and employment opportunities for the fishery supply chain.”
“We are exceptionally grateful to Community Offshore Wind for partnering with us to deliver fresh meals to hunger relief organizations across New Jersey, helping to support those who need it most and providing enough food for 60,000 meals for New Jersey families,” Robin Peacock, executive director of MEND Hunger Relief Network, which works to combat hunger and food insecurity across the state, said. “Right now, more than 650,000 people in New Jersey face food insecurity — including 9% of New Jersey children and 7% of our total population. Every family and household should have access to healthy food, and this donation is a remarkable, much-needed step toward helping overburdened communities reach that goal.”
Community Offshore Wind continues to support and invest in the communities it serves, and previously facilitated the donation of more than 100 emergency care packages and more than 500 pieces of clothing to the Atlantic City Rescue Mission; a partnership with the Littoral Society to clean Sandy Hook Beach for Earth Day; and ongoing engagement with community leaders across the state, to better understand how to ensure the clean energy transition delivers benefits to every New Jersey household.
