GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ — Touch New Jersey were joined by state and local officials in handing out 12 pallets worth of food to nearly 600 residents in need on Thursday, according to officials.
“Touch New Jersey is partnering across the state to reach food insecure individuals and provide them with basic food items,” State Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) said. “No one should have reservations about getting assistance during this time. The resources and the programs are there to help.”
Sweeney was joined by Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro (D-3), Gloucester County Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger, Gloucester County Freeholder Deputy Director Frank DiMarco and Gloucester County Freeholder Jim Jefferson for the event, which was held in Paulsboro.
Residents received boxes of fresh produce including lettuce, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, carrots and more.
“The boxes come pre-packaged from the United States Department of Agriculture. Although times may be difficult due to the impact of COVID-19, no family should struggle to have healthy, fresh food available to them,” Damminger said.
“Residents who received boxes today were appreciative and some were even picking up boxes for elderly or homebound neighbors. That’s why partnerships like this in the community are so important,” Taliaferro said. “Partnering with the County of Gloucester and Touch New Jersey allows us to reach so many individuals suffering from food insecurity.”
“I am very grateful to see companies reach out to assist Gloucester County during the pandemic,” DiMarco said. “Being able to give back to our residents while they navigate through these times is essential.”
“The Gloucester County Division of Human and Disability Services has been reaching many vulnerable populations throughout the pandemic, however, we want to stress that we are available for any vulnerable resident in need of services,” Jefferson, liaison to the Division of Human and Disability Services, said.
The next Food Distribution event will take place in October. For more information, visit www.gloucestercountynj.gov or call the Division of Human and Disability Services at 856-384-6842.
Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.
This article originally appeared on the West Deptford Patch
