RWJBarnabas Health is expanding its partnership with Princeton-based nonprofit Share My Meals across its hospital network to combat food insecurity in New Jersey. The initiative, which repurposes surplus hospital cafeteria meals for donation, follows a successful pilot at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, where more than 5,200 meals were provided, saving 3.25 tons of food and reducing 29,300 pounds of carbon emissions in its first year.
Under the expanded program, each RWJBarnabas hospital will collaborate with local food pantries, soup kitchens, and community organizations to distribute excess food, ensuring that nutritious meals reach those in need.
“As a health system, we are committed to addressing food insecurity as a social determinant of health,” said Mark E. Manigan, president and CEO, RWJBarnabas Health. “This partnership allows us to further improve the health of the communities we serve while reducing food waste.”
The initiative is part of RWJBarnabas Health’s broader social impact strategy, which includes SNAP Navigators, community gardens, farmers markets, and food distribution programs across its footprint.
