The Community FoodBank of New Jersey announced at its recent Night of 300,000 Meals event that it raised $110,000, topping its goal of gaining enough funds to provide 300,000 meals for South Jersey residents facing food insecurity. The seventh annual event was held at the foodbank’s Egg Harbor Township location.
Nearly 1 million people in New Jersey were food insecure in 2024, a 22% increase over the previous year, according to Feeding America’s annual Map the Meal Gap study. This includes more than 260,000 children – about one in eight. In Atlantic County, where Egg Harbor Township is, the food insecure population is 33,540, and the food insecurity rate is 12.2%. Cumberland County has New Jersey’s highest rate of food insecurity at 13.1% (one in eight).
Nationwide, the extra amount of money that people facing hunger say they need to have enough food has reached its highest point in the last 20 years. Soaring food prices, expiring pandemic-related safety nets, and the failure of wages to keep up with cost of living have all contributed to the steep increase, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey said.
“Thanks to the generosity of guests, sponsors, and supporters, the event will help sustain a wide range of critical hunger relief programs, including nutrition assistance, educational initiatives, diaper and period product distribution, SNAP application support, and services for college food pantries,” the foodbank said in a statement. “These programs address both immediate needs and the long-term causes of food insecurity.”
The event brought together local chefs, business leaders, and community members for the celebration. Guests had the opportunity to tour the food bank’s Egg Harbor Township warehouse, which can store up to 1.6 million pounds of food. Attendees also viewed the organization’s on-site Community Assistance Pantry, which serves about 1,800 local families every month.
“This event is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when our community comes together with a shared purpose,” said Elizabeth McCarthy, president and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “The support we’ve received this year strengthens our ability to address food insecurity and its impact on health and stability. With South Jersey experiencing some of the highest food insecurity rates in the state, events like this are essential — not only for immediate relief, but also for building long-term solutions.”
This year’s presenting sponsors were the Casino Association of New Jersey, Caesars Foundation, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey is part of Feeding America’s nationwide network of food banks, serving 11 New Jersey counties directly and four in partnership with affiliate food banks.
