‘Nobody should be hungry.” Community Food Bank continues legacy in NJ

A community organization has been helping to keep the people of New Jersey from being hungry for the past 45 years.

News 12 Staff

Nov 25, 2019, 11:25 PM

Updated 1,613 days ago

Share:

A community organization has been helping to keep the people of New Jersey from being hungry for the past 45 years.
The Community Food Bank of New Jersey continues to play an important role in the daily lives of those living in the Garden State, especially as the cost of living grows in New Jersey.
The organization’s warehouse in Hillside is filled with pallets of food for Thanksgiving. There is peanut butter, rice, pies and 6,000 turkeys. It will all be going to about 45 different food pantries in Essex and Bergen counties.
"Nobody in Bergen County should be hungry,” says Karen McEvoy of Helping Hands Food Pantry in Teaneck.
Most of the food in the warehouse will be gone by Tuesday. Representatives from several food banks were at the warehouse Monday to pick up food, including Circle of Life Food Pantry in Newark and GRACE’s food pantry in Summit.
"At least 25% of households in Summit experience food insecurity or what would be considered working poverty,” says GRACE representative Amanda Black.
Officials say that 900,000 New Jerseyans in 16 counties are fed by food collected by the Community Food Bank.
“Forty-five years ago, maybe 3 or 5% of families were people working. Today more than half of our families have someone that's employed,” says Community Food Bank CEO Carlos Rodriguez.
Rodriguez also notes that 51% of all jobs in the state pay less than $20 per hour.
“So, the need isn't slowing, the racks stay filled with food. We see it now because of the Thanksgiving holiday, which revolves around food. The goal is for all of us to see those in need year-round just as the Community Food Bank has done for years,” he says.
By the end of November, the Community Food Bank will have handed out 25,000 turkeys.


More from News 12
0:49
Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

1:51
Sunny and cool for Friday; chance for rain late Saturday into Sunday

Sunny and cool for Friday; chance for rain late Saturday into Sunday

2:01
Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:48
Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

2:01
Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

1:56
Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

1:54
South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

1:27
East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

2:35
Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

0:36
11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

0:27
Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

1:13
The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

2:01
Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

0:20
Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

0:21
UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

0:26
Court adjourned for two suspects in human remains case

Court adjourned for two suspects in human remains case

0:31
John's Crazy Socks, Guide Dog Foundation unveil world's first tactile Braille socks

John's Crazy Socks, Guide Dog Foundation unveil world's first tactile Braille socks