PENNSAUKEN, NJ (KYW Newsradio) — The Food Bank of South Jersey is getting a new fleet of hybrid vehicles thanks to a nearly $1 million federal grant.
“It’s really going to help us not only reduce emissions and our carbon footprint, but it’s going to help save dollars where we can spend more importantly elsewhere,” said CEO Fred Wasiak.
The food bank is getting $970,000 through the federal omnibus spending package. Congressman Donald Norcross says he fought for this funding because the food bank has stepped up to meet growing demand.
“I’ve watched them over the years literally deliver hope and food to those who don’t like to ask for help but they need it,” Norcross said.
Wasiak said they log more than 250,000 miles and provide around 15 million meals each year through their programs and deliveries.
“We’re serving more now than during the pandemic,” Wasiak said. “The pandemic really set us up for the capacity that we are experiencing now.”
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Norcross says one of the positive takeaways from the pandemic is that much of the stigma around food insecurity is gone and people don’t feel as embarrassed to ask for help when they need it.
“This touches people’s heart,” he said. “The idea of thinking that someone in our great country can go hungry is something that shouldn’t be happening.”
Wasiak says they still need all the help they can get, and he urges anyone who can to make a donation. Every dollar pays for three meals.