Burlington County announces new program to help combat food insecurity

Burlington County Commissioners have announced a $1 million effort to help combat hunger.

The program will offer grants up to $75,000 to nonprofit organizations that are providing food assistance to county residents and have seen increased demand since the pandemic.

Grants can be used to buy and distribute food to those who need. Grants can also be used to get or upgrade appliances and storage areas such as stoves, freezers, coolers and shelving.

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

Grants will be awarded until funding is exhausted, the county said.

Federal aid is funding the county's Grants for Food Banks and Food Pantries program.

An estimated 31,800 county residents, including 9,000 children, were considered food insecure in 2020 because their households lack consistent access to adequate healthy foods, says a statement released by he county.

The county's statement described the program as a "major expansion" of its hunger-fighting campaign.

It noted organizations that help people in need are themselves facing financial challenges due to inflation.

"The same prices that are straining family budgets are also creating financial strains on food banks and other nonprofits that are serving vulnerable individuals and families,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson.

“This funding will help ensure their shelves remain stocked and that they can continue their missions of serving those most in need," she said.

The county noted it's helped an estimated 48,000 people through the distribution of free food at more than 40 events since 2020.

“No one should ever have to go hungry to pay for other critical needs, so we’re expanding food assistance across the county to ensure those in need can more easily obtain help," said Hopson.

Nick Butler is an impact reporter for the Courier Post, the Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times covering community news in South Jersey. Have any tips or stories? Reach out to NButler@Gannett.com. Subscribe to stay in the loop.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Burlington County's new grant program to provide money to fight hunger