The Junior League of Summit is proud to announce that it received a $9,429 from the Local Board of Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), in partnership with United Way of Greater Union County to support its signature community outreach project, GRACE’s Refrigerator. The EFSP began in 1983 with a $50 million federal appropriation. The program was created by Congress to help meet the needs of the hungry and homeless population throughout the U.S. and its territories by allocating federal funds for the provision of food and shelter. The funds from EFSP will be used to purchase fresh, healthy foods as well as household necessities for local families that would not otherwise be able to purchase for themselves. GRACE, which stands for Giving and Receiving Assistance for Our Community’s Essentials was founded in 2016 by member and Summit local, Amanda Parrish Block. The program was launched following research into the issue of food insecurity and the revelation that one in six Summit public school students is lacking access to fresh, nutritious foods. We believe that creating better communities starts with food and everyone should have the opportunity to shop for and enjoy healthy foods needed to fuel their minds and bodies. The GRACE program is making an enormous impact in our community and the momentum is strong. We rely on the efforts of volunteers and donations to continue providing these essentials.
GRACE’s Refrigerator is open weekly and offers nutrient-dense produce, dairy, and prepared food which is sourced from the Summit Farmers Market, local businesses, and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. On average, 72 families depend on the community refrigerator each week. Since its inception, it has served 120,430 pounds of fresh produce, dairy, eggs, and bagels to 18,591 individuals (including 9,790 children and 842 senior citizens).
The Junior League of Summit is a nonprofit, charitable, and educational organization of women who are committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. For more information about the Junior League of Summit or to inquire about becoming a member, please visit the website at www.jlsummit.org or contact the office at 908-273-7349. Those interested in donating to the League, please visit https://www.jlsummit.org/?nd=donate_summary.
