Kean Seeks $420K To Increase Food Bank Donation Capacity In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Congressman Tom Kean Jr. is seeking $420,000 to increase food bank donation capacity and provide targeted intervention in low-access areas in Bridgewater Township.

The request is among 20 Community Project Funding requests that Kean's office made to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration in the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process.

Each of the six counties in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District is represented in the list of submissions.

If granted, the funding would be used for a two-pronged project designed to increase food bank donation capacity and provide targeted intervention in low-access areas through the rental and maintenance of one cold storage unit and the purchase and maintenance of one food locker unit.

Bridgewater Township will work alongside the Food Bank Network of Somerset County to carry out project activities.

After the purchase, installation, testing, and training of staff is complete, the cold storage and food locker units will be utilized by the partner food pantries to better accept and distribute donations — specifically to low-access areas with transportation barriers to food pantry access.

"The cold storage will open up a new intake avenue, as the units will provide the capacity required to accept bulk donations from local farms, pantries, and grocery retailers," according to Kean.

"This food will benefit thousands of food insecure individuals in Somerset County. This project is designed to support the efforts of vital non-profit organizations on the frontline in the fight against food insecurity and will result in the improved delivery of life-changing aid," said Kean.

Community Project Funding allows members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit the communities they represent.

"These investments will make a very positive difference in the daily lives of the people we serve by strengthening infrastructure, supporting public safety, and improving quality of life in our communities," said Kean. "I will continue to bring both parties together in Washington, DC to secure the federal support needed to deliver these resources for New Jersey."

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