U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today visited the Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) to highlight nearly $1 million in federal funding that he secured in the FY23 omnibus funding package for the local nonprofit. The funding will be used to help increase food delivery services and decrease the food bank’s carbon footprint by purchasing hybrid delivery trucks and vans.

“One in eleven children in New Jersey face hunger,” said Congressman Norcross. “And each year, the Food Bank of South Jersey is at the forefront of local efforts to ensure no child in South Jersey goes hungry. This funding will help the Food Bank reduce the amount of money it spends on fuel and increase its reach to families in need. I’m proud to have secured this funding for the Food Bank of South Jersey and will continue working in Congress to reduce food insecurity in our region and around the nation.”

“The Food Bank is extremely grateful for this opportunity to move to a cleaner energy source and toward a more sustainable South Jersey. Our staff logs more than 250,000 miles each year, but with the transition to hybrid vehicles, we will lessen our environmental impact as we continue to serve our communities,” said Fred C. Wasiak, president and CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey. “Reduced fuel costs will also enable us to reinvest savings in programs and services to create a more equitable system of addressing nutrition and food insecurity in our region.”

“The Food Bank of South Jersey is a vital lifeline for so many food-insecure and low-income people, and their dedicated staff travels hundreds of thousands of miles every year to provide food and critical support services throughout the region,” said Senator Cory Booker. “I was proud to fight to secure federal funding that will help FBSJ to reduce its carbon footprint and expand its critical operations in New Jersey.”

During the site visit, Congressman Norcross toured the Food Bank of South Jersey with President and CEO Fred Wasiak, volunteers, and delivery drivers, and learned about their operations and reach. According to Feeding America, a national nonprofit affiliated with FBSJ, the local nonprofit delivers over 15 million meals each year to people struggling with hunger.

In addition to learning about the efforts FBSJ takes to tackle regional food insecurity, Congressman Norcross had a chance to meet and speak with special needs students and job coaches who meet at FBSJ weekly as part of a Structured Learning Work Experience program. Through the program, the students experience a work environment, learn how to navigate a job site, and work with other students and staff. The students inspect, categorize, and box up donated food for distribution to member agencies and pack food boxes for the Senior Citizen program at FBSJ.