In Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties, CFBNJ’s Southern Division based in Egg Harbor Township has seen more than 32,000 people in those counties seeking food assistance for the first time.
“We’ve seen a dramatic rise … due to the economic impact in this region,” said Denise Hladun, director of external affairs for the CFBNJ’s Southern Division, who noted that because the service sector drives the economy in that part of the state, her group already sees a disproportionate number of people affected by food insecurity.
But Hladun said CFBNJ is continuing to meet the demand, while also seeing a rise in support.
Mercer Street Friends, the food bank in Mercer County, said it has seen an estimated 43% increase in demand for food assistance compared to the time before the pandemic.
To meet the demand, the organization is expanding its original 15,000-square-foot warehouse with help from NJM Insurance Group. The 10,000 square feet of additional space was formerly used by the insurer.
Read More: Demand at N.J. food banks remains high, but so does support