Burlington City, NJ – On Friday, October 30, Senator Troy Singleton, Assemblyman Herb Conaway, Assemblywoman Carol Murphy and the Burlington County Freeholder Board jointly hosted a “Grab N Go” Community Dinner in Burlington City.

The event, at which they distributed 500 meals prepared by SweetWater Bar and Grill of Cinnaminson, was held at Burlington City High School. Attendees were able to drive-up or walk-up to receive the meals and obtain resources from various community organizations including: Burlington County Department of Human Services, Burlington City Police Department, Center for Family Services, and Book Smiles.

“Over the past 8 months, due to the public health emergency, there have been so few opportunities to gather as a community and come together for fellowship,” said Senator Singleton. “We wanted to provide a safe, socially distant way for the community to gather and enjoy a delicious meal. I am especially thankful to all of our partners, especially Burlington City Police Chief Fine for sprouting this idea with our team, and to Burlington City Superintendent Dr. Russell and High School Principal Mr. Flynn for hosting us.”

“Covid-19 has had a deleterious impact on our families and our sense of community. Nearly 40,000 of our district’s residents have applied for unemployment and many families are having a hard time making rent and paying for groceries,” said Assemblyman Conaway. “During this time, it is important for our residents to understand that their representatives and neighbors care about their situation and want to help.”

“The pandemic has put a great strain on families, who face health and economic insecurity, and in our efforts to be safe we have been unable to gather as a community," said Assemblywoman Murphy. "I'm very grateful to join together with my state legislative colleagues and our county officials in this wonderful opportunity to provide dinners to local families, and information on vital resources available during these difficult times. And, I want to express my gratitude to Burlington Police Chief Fine, Burlington City School District Superintendent Dr. Russell and Burlington City High School Principal Mr. Flynn for their support to make this gathering a reality for families in our community."

“We know this pandemic has been difficult on all of us, but it’s during challenging times like this one that we need our communities to band together and reach out to help our friends and neighbors,” said Freeholder Director Felicia Hopson. “We’re proud to team with Senator Singleton, Assemblyman Conaway and Assemblywoman Murphy to do that here in Burlington City. It’s a safe way to offer a little help to those who could use a good meal or a friendly act of kindness, and hopefully it can inspire others to do the same.”