$1M Donation To Help Food Bank Of South Jersey During Coronavirus

The United Health Foundation has committed $1 million to help fight hunger in South Jersey amid the outbreak of new coronavirus, the foundation announced.

The foundation is donating $1 million to the Food Bank of South Jersey as part of the UnitedHealth Group’s $50 million initiative to help health care workers, hard-hit communities, seniors and people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity during the pandemic.

“The COVID-19 public health emergency has compounded the many challenges faced by New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents, such as those experiencing hunger or food insecurity,” UnitedHealthcare Community & State, New Jersey Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Charles Wayland said. “Our partnership with the Food Bank of South Jersey will provide critical aid to those who need it most.”

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

The Food Bank of South Jersey will be able to use the funding for additional staff needed to prepare emergency food bags and boxes for underserved communities.

They also provide two weeks’ worth of food supplies for seniors and deliver them to senior housing facilities, and supply additional resources and support to local food banks in South Jersey.

“Our mission is to provide an immediate solution to the urgent problem of hunger by providing food to people in need, teaching them to eat nutritiously and helping them find sustainable ways to improve their lives. We have recently experienced a 200% increase in need across our 185 agencies in four counties,” Food Bank of South Jersey President/CEO Fred C.Wasiak said. “Our partnership with the United Health Foundation will enable us to expand our reach and better meet the needs of our communities during this crisis.”

The United Health Foundation also recently announced $5 million in national partnerships with the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, the Feeding America network of member food banks, and Meals on Wheels America as part of its commitment to fight the coronavirus and support impacted communities.

“We’re deeply grateful for United Health Foundation’s generous contribution to the Food Bank of South Jersey’s COVID-19 response efforts. This gift comes at a time of great need for our organization and for thousands of South Jersey residents facing hunger,” Wasiak said. “This incredible gift gives us greater capacity to address the increasing requests for food, provide emergency food resources and expand our services to families, children, and seniors in need – it will certainly impact many lives for the better.”

See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know