Burlington County is providing more help in the battle against hunger and food insecurity. The Burlington County Commissioners announced the first six awards from the County’s new $1 million grant program to assist food programs.

The first six grants total more than $290,000 and were announced by the Commissioners on Thursday during a visit to the Virtua Eat Well Food Farmacy, which is receiving a $75,000 grant from Burlington County’s Grants for Food Banks and Food Pantries program.

“In 2020, more than 31,000 Burlington County residents were considered food insecure because they lived in households without consistent access to adequate, healthy foods,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “These grants will help support those organizations on the front lines in the fight against hunger and food insecurity. Aiding them will help improve access to healthy foods throughout our county and ensure those residents who need assistance can obtain the nutrition they and their families need.”

The Virtua Eat Well Food Farmacy has locations in Virtua Mount Holly Hospital, as well as in the Virtua Health & Wellness Center in Camden. The program enrolls Virtua patients with diet-impacted health conditions like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease into a free six-month program that includes nutrition education, social services support and access to fresh produce and nutrient-rich, shelf-stable groceries.

In 2023, the Virtua program helped support 782 patients from Burlington County.

“Access to fresh, nutritious, and affordable food is fundamental to good health. However, many local individuals and families struggle with this basic human need. This generous grant will go a long way toward stocking the shelves of our Eat Well Food Farmacy inside Virtua Mount Holly Hospital,” said Stephanie Fendrick, FACHE, MBA, executive vice president and chief strategy officer for Virtua Health. “All of us at Virtua Health are extremely grateful to the Burlington County Commissioners for this important grant, which will help us enhance many more people’s wellness and well-being.”  

In addition to Virtua’s Eat Well Food Farmacy, the Commissioners announced five additional grants were approved for the following organizations:

- Burlington Township Food Pantry: $17,790 to support the purchase of a new indoor cooler

- Jewish Family and Children’s Services: $25,000 to support operations of the organization’s food pantry, which serves Burlington County residents.

- Food Bank of South Jersey: $75,000 to support the organization’s Hope Mobile food pantries and school pantries. Both programs serve Burlington County residents.

- Prince of Peace Lutheran Church: $22,500 to support community food pantry and summer kids program

- Oaks Integrated Care: $75,000 for the organization’s Mount Holly food pantry

"Each of these organizations is helping to create a critical safety net for vulnerable Burlington County residents in need,” said Hopson. “Many of these nonprofits are facing the same financial challenges due to higher costs for food and supplies that are straining family budgets. This funding will help to keep their shelves stocked and so they can continue serving those in need.”

The Burlington County Grants for Food Banks and Food Pantries Grants program was launched by the Commissioners this spring in response to continuing need for food assistance.

All nonprofits providing food assistance to Burlington County residents are eligible to apply for grants up to $75,000 until funding is exhausted.

A total of $1 million in federal aid Burlington County received from the American Rescue Plan Act was appropriated to this program. Grants can be used to purchase and distribute food or acquire or upgrade equipment such as stoves, freezers, coolers and shelving. Applications are reviewed by CGP&H.

Funding is still available. Nonprofits interested in applying for a grant can request an application by emailing [email protected] or by calling 609-795-2503.

The grants represent an expansion of Burlington County’s food assistance program that began in early 2020 during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the crisis, the County partnered with the Food Bank of South Jersey to hold monthly food distribution events at the Burlington County Emergency Services Training Center in Westampton.

During those events, volunteers distributed free boxes of shelf-stable groceries, fresh produce, frozen meals, dairy products, family prepared and children’s meals to households in need. Those receiving help were also offered assistance with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program applications and were given information about other assistance programs.

Close to 48,000 individuals received food during the more than 40 distribution events held by the County.

State Senator Troy Singleton and Assemblywoman Andrea Katz applauded the County for its ongoing efforts to fight food insecurity.

"It is unacceptable for any child, adult or senior to go hungry or have to choose between adequate nutritious food and other necessities,” Senator Singleton said. “I’m proud to see my home county take a leadership role and step up to deliver the kind of assistance needed to eradicate hunger and give all residents access to healthy nutritious foods.”

“New Jersey continues to make significant progress in the fight against food insecurity because of initiatives like this one,” added Katz. “These food pantries, soup kitchens and health systems are who residents turn to when they are most in need. This aid will allow these organizations to continue their good work and deliver meaningful help.”

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