Foundation Spotlights Food Insecurity and Donates Turkeys for Needy

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation's (NNJCF) celebration of National Community Foundation Week from November 12 through November 18 and National Philanthropy Day on November 15 highlighted the escalation of food insecurity in the region. The NNJCF collaborated for a third year with community leader Randy Glover and donated frozen turkeys to All Access Community Development Corporation (All Access CDC), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Hackensack, to help people struggling to put food on the table. All Access CDC distributed the frozen turkeys at the Majestic Lodge and Temple (Elks), located at 351 First Street in Hackensack, New Jersey, through its 'Grab & Go Meals' program.

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization based in Hackensack. For nearly 25 years, this regional foundation has collaborated with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and individuals on a range of projects and asks: What can we do together that we can't do alone? The NNJCF's work focuses primarily on civic engagement, education, public health, the environment, philanthropy, and the arts.

Food Insecurity Increased

With escalating food prices and the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity remains a serious concern. According to the Bergen County Food Security Task Force, people facing hunger are found in each of the 70 municipalities in the county. Based upon a Feeding America report released in August 2020, an estimated 71 percent increase in food insecurity was discovered in Bergen County, encompassing 103,000 people. One in nine people in the county did not have appropriate access to nutritious food, with 30 percent found to be children.

"During National Community Foundation Week and National Philanthropy Day, the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation spotlighted the continued serious issue of food insecurity in the area. The NNJCF collaborated with All Access Community Development Corporation, a community based organization working at the grassroots level, to ensure food is provided to people with the greatest need," said Mary Blanusa, Executive Director, Northern New Jersey Community Foundation. "During the holiday season and throughout the year, we ask the public to join us and help others facing food insecurity locally."

The donation of turkeys came at a particularly difficult time for people struggling with food insecurity. "Our agency serves meals to 840 families a week, and we have a waiting list of 25 families. The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation's donation of frozen turkeys will help those with the greatest need -- young adults with families, seniors, the disabled and the unemployed," said Randy Glover, Chairman/Executive Director, All Access Community Development Corporation.

Find a Food Pantry

The NNJCF urges the public to help food pantries replenish dwindling supplies. People can find nearby food pantries anywhere in the United States on Ample Harvest's online database. Monetary donations may be made to over 76 food pantries throughout Bergen County. A list of some emergency food providers in Bergen County with their addresses, phone numbers and hours of operation may be accessed online at bit.ly/BergenFoodPantries. For further information about All Access Community Development Corporation's services, donations of turkeys, or to participate in ‘Grab & Go Meals’, contact Candi Stuart by e-mail, call 551-223-7676, or visit the organization's website.

People in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union Counties may also contact these food pantries to donate food or seek assistance: Food Brigade in Bergen County, Bessie Green Community in Essex County, St. James Social Service Corporation in Essex County, All Saints Community Service and Development Corporation in Hudson County, Hoboken Family Alliance in Hudson County,CUMACECHO, Inc. in Passaic County, Jewish Family Service and Children's Center of Clifton-Passaic, Inc. in Passaic County, Paterson Task Force for Community Action, Inc. in Passaic County, Homefirst Interfaith Housing & Family Services, Inc. in Union County, and St. Joseph Social Service Center in Union County.

To learn more about the Northern New Jersey Community, call 201-568-5608, send an e-mail to or visit the organization's website.