Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01) visited a non-profit health care provider, celebrating the $300,000 in community project funding he secured to help fight food insecurity across New Jersey’s 1^st Congressional District.

“At the most fundamental level, a healthy society needs to be able to feed its people,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “The pandemic hit families hard. Lots of people that were just getting by before the pandemic lost their livelihoods. While we’re starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel in terms of COVID infections, we still have work to do to ensure every single South Jerseyan has the resources they need never to go hungry. I’m proud to support this project to serve the needs of vulnerable members of our community and fight food insecurity.”

“Acenda is so proud to once again partner with Congressman Norcross in helping to ensure the health and wellness of the communities we serve. This funding is an important additional step in bringing healing to individuals and families who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic and who deserve barrier-free access to necessary care and supports,” said Dr. Anthony DiFabio, chief executive officer of Acenda Integrated Health.

“One Village is truly the next step in integrated, community-based care. Residents will not only be able to use technology to access much-needed information at trusted locations, but they will also be able to serve as active ‘ambassadors’ for their fellow community members. This is absolutely innovation with a heart,” said Melissa Fox, chief operating officer of Acenda.

The COVID-19 pandemic sent the food insecurity rate in New Jersey soaring to 13.5%, according to reports, an increase of more than 50% over the pre-pandemic rate. The $300,000 in federal funding, which Congressman Norcross secured as part of the Funding for the People Act (H.R. 2471), supports the launch of a community-level network to identify residents at most risk for food insecurity and health-related issues. It would reduce stress on public health systems by directing services and resources to residents in need.

The project will also provide kiosks in locations across Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington counties in addition to an online link accessible via smartphones to provide direct access to health screening tools that will be available in multiple languages. Once information is received through the kiosk or online portal, community “ambassadors” will follow up and ensure resources are provided based on the individual’s needs.