COVID-19 exacerbated food insecurity levels across Bergen County. On July 15th 2020, Bergen County launched the Food Security Task Force led by Commissioner Tracy Zur and the County Executive Office along with key leadership from local nonprofits and key representatives from across the County who manage food pantries and local meal distribution efforts daily. Together, this Task Force is charged with devising new solutions to ensure every County resident has access to healthy food options during this pandemic and afterwards. While there are over 80+ emergency food providers spread across the County, a recent survey indicated the majority of these sites are experiencing a 50% increase in clients since March 2020 with some sites now serving an increase of more than 200%. Many of these providers are reliant on private individual donations and supplies are quickly dwindling as they struggle to meet the new demand.
What is Food Insecurity?
Having limited or uncertain access to adequate supplies of food to meet nutritional standards. Hunger is a symptom of being food insecure. Prior to COVID-19, at least 1 in 14 residents in Bergen County were experiencing food insecurity, according to Feeding America. Today, we know from recent surveys that in a single week in Bergen County, up to 20,000+ people will rely on donated food.
The Bergen County Food Security Task Force’s Goals:
Ensure Households are Fed with Healthy Options
Keep Local Pantries and Food Distribution Efforts stocked
Create a Network Amongst Community Food Providers for increased Cooperation
Continuously Track the Levels of Food Insecurity across County
Connect our Food Insecure Population to a wider array of Social Services
Task Force Members
The Bergen County Food Security Task Force is a group of government, nonprofit, and civic organizations who have joined forces to combat food insecurity in Bergen County.
Bergen County Administration
Bergen County Commissioners
Bergen County Department of Human Services
Bergen County Meals on Wheels
Bergen County Board of Social Services
Bergen County Superintendent of Schools
Bergen County Technical Schools
Bergen Volunteers
Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative
Bergenfield Food Pantry
Center for Food Action
Community Dinner Table, Palisades Park
Community Food Bank of NJ
Dumont Food Pantry
Family Promise
St. Cecilia's Office of Concern
Franciscan Community Development Center, Fairview
Glen Rock Gurudwara
Greater Bergen Community Action
Iglesia Cristiana Casa del Alfarero, Hackensack
Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hackensack
Helping Hands, Teaneck
Jewish Family Services
Meadowlands YMCA Family Success Center, Little Ferry
Garfield Police Department
Norwood Food Pantry
Russell Berrie Foundation
Table to Table
Triboro Pantry, Park Ridge
Bergen Family Center
Food Security Task Force: In Action
Nice to meet you
Interested in getting involved?
BERGEN COUNTY FOOD SECURITY TASK FORCE
One Bergen County Plaza Hackensack, New Jersey 07601
Email @: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.