N.J. food banks graduate first cohort of Growing Healthy Pantries program

New Jersey’s five food banks recognized the first graduating cohort of the Growing Healthy Pantries program, a statewide effort aimed at helping local food assistance organizations create healthier, more dignified and choice-driven pantry environments.

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Food Bank of South Jersey, Fulfill, Mercer Street Friends and Norwescap hosted the graduation ceremony at Grounds For Sculpture, celebrating 17 local organizations that completed a yearlong learning program.

The initiative provided each participating organization with up to $20,000 in grant funding last summer to support improvement projects. Those projects included pantry renovations, accessibility upgrades and transitions to full-choice shopping models that allow clients to select foods that best meet their families’ needs.

The participating organizations also joined a yearlong community of practice, a peer learning program guided by the food banks. Through the process, pantry operators assessed current practices, shared ideas and identified ways to improve the experience for the communities they serve.

“At the heart of Growing Healthy Pantries is the belief that food pantries should be places of empowerment, not to only solve the current crisis, but to help with longer term stability,” Elizabeth McCarthy, president and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, said. “Pantries should be places where our neighbors can choose the foods that best meet their families’ needs and preferences.”

McCarthy said the first cohort dedicated time and creativity to strengthening food access and improving pantry experiences across the state.

Launched in 2022, Growing Healthy Pantries is a joint initiative by the state’s five food banks. Now in its second year of implementation, the program provides participating pantries with a toolkit of resources and best practices intended to increase access to nutritious food, support healthier food choices, connect families with local resources and strengthen food security advocacy.

“Through Growing Healthy Pantries, we are helping neighbors access nutritious food and supportive resources, while strengthening the local pantry network that families across our state rely on,” Jane Asselta, president and CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey, said.

The graduating organizations included food assistance providers in Newark, Camden, Bridgeton, Toms River, Brigantine, Piscataway, Swainton, Lawrenceville, Margate, Elizabeth, Asbury Park, Delran, Washington Township, Newton, Hightstown and Fairfield Township.

The food banks also announced the next cohort of Growing Healthy Pantries grant recipients and community of practice members, which includes organizations in Paterson, Landisville, Irvington, Newark, Wayne, Passaic, Clifton, Phillipsburg, Hackettstown, Lakewood, Oceanport, Mount Holly, Paulsboro, Hamilton and Trenton.

Funding for the program comes from the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, Feeding America, ADP, Goodman, Holman, Johnson & Johnson, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, North to Shore Festival, Stop & Shop, Valley Bank and Wakefern Food Corp.