Burlington Review

On May 21, 2024, the Burlington County Commissioners announced a new $1 million grant program aimed at supporting local food pantries and organizations assisting food-insecure households. The Burlington County Grants for Food Banks and Food Pantries program will provide grants of up to $75,000 to nonprofit organizations that have experienced increased demand since the onset of COVID-19.

As of 2020, an estimated 31,800 residents in Burlington County, including 9,000 children, were considered food insecure due to inconsistent access to adequate healthy foods. "Food insecurity was brought to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic when many of our residents were out of work and struggling," said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. "While many families have recovered, we know there are still far too many households struggling to earn enough to afford adequate food."

The program is funded by federal aid from the American Rescue Plan Act and administered by CGP&H. Applications are currently being accepted and awards will be made on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted. The grants can be used for purchasing and distributing food or acquiring equipment such as stoves, freezers, coolers, and shelving.

Nonprofits interested in applying can request an application by emailing BurlCoFood@cgph.net or calling 609-795-2503.

This initiative marks a significant expansion of the county’s food assistance efforts that began in early 2020 with monthly distribution events held in partnership with the Food Bank of South Jersey at the Burlington County Emergency Services Training Center in Westampton. During these events, volunteers distributed groceries and other essentials to households in need while also offering assistance with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program applications.

Close to 48,000 individuals were assisted through more than 40 distribution events since 2020. "Launching Burlington County’s food assistance program was among the most important actions we took during the pandemic," Hopson said. "By holding monthly distribution events, we were able to get food to thousands of people who needed it."

The county also supported Virtua’s Mobile Grocery Store before the pandemic to make fresh foods available at below-market prices in underserved communities within Burlington County.

Organizations fighting hunger have faced financial challenges due to rising costs for food and supplies. "The same prices that are straining family budgets are also creating financial strains on food banks and other nonprofits serving vulnerable individuals and families," Hopson noted. "This funding will help ensure their shelves remain stocked and that they can continue their missions of serving those most in need."