TRENTON, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- Food banks in New Jersey will receive $20 million in funding to allow them to keep serving residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Phil Murphy said Thursday.
The $20 million will come from the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which was established under the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Murphy said in a release Thursday.
Six organizations in New Jersey — Southern Regional, Food Bank of South Jersey, the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Mercer Street Friends, Fulfill and Norwescap — will receive the funding, according to the release.
Half of the funds will be distributed this month, Murphy said.
“Food banks are a critical lifeline for New Jersey families, and now more than ever, they provide nutrition assistance to families and their children who have been struggling to access food during this pandemic,” he said in a statement.
“This new federal funding will enable food banks to continue providing for those across our communities who most rely on their services,” he added.
Murphy on Thursday also reported 28 new COVID-19 deaths and 354 new cases, bringing the state's case total to 174,270 and its death toll to 13,501.
A total of 963 people in the state were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Thursday, 170 of whom were in critical or intensive care.