Burlington County has announced a new initiative to support nonprofits addressing hunger among vulnerable residents. The County Commissioners have approved a partnership involving the Burlington County Department of Human Services’ Office on Aging, the Food Bank of South Jersey, and Zallie Community Foundation. This collaboration will see the Office on Aging using its Meals on Wheels vehicles and drivers to deliver groceries to homebound seniors enrolled in a food assistance program.
This initiative will not affect the existing operations or expenses of the County’s Meals on Wheels program, which delivered over 120,000 meals last year. Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson emphasized the importance of this partnership by stating, “Burlington County has made fighting hunger and food insecurity a top priority and organizations like the Food Bank of South Jersey and Zallie Community Foundation are important partners.”
The groceries provided under this agreement come from the Food Bank’s Feel Good with Food program, aimed at supporting homebound adults needing nutritional assistance. Additionally, Meals on Wheels will assist in identifying clients who require help.
Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel highlighted the urgency of this effort amid rising demand for food banks and federal funding cuts: “At a time when food banks across the nation are being strained by rising need and federal funding cuts, Burlington County is stepping up to help ensure vulnerable homebound seniors don’t fall through the cracks.”
Residents facing difficulties can reach out to the Food Bank of South Jersey for more information via phone or email.
This partnership is part of broader efforts by Burlington County to combat food insecurity. Last summer, financial aid was extended to local food banks and pantries, including significant grants such as $75,000 for programs run by the Food Bank of South Jersey.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Burlington County collaborated with local organizations to hold monthly food distribution events that served nearly 48,000 individuals with essential supplies.
Dr. Hopson remarked on these ongoing efforts: “Food insecurity is a real threat that impacts the health and wellbeing of children, working adults and seniors throughout our nation.”
