FeedNJ, the aggressive campaign to fight COVID-19-impacted food insecurity across the state, received a major boost from the Middlesex County Department of Human Services with a grant of $150,000 with which to purchase nearly 20,000 meals from Middlesex County restaurants.
To date, FeedNJ has served over 35,000 meals in 13 counties across the state, but nowhere more than in Middlesex County, where it has served nearly 11,000 meals at Perth Amboy’s Salvation Army Corps, New Brunswick’s Elijah’s Promise, Woodbridge’s Trinity Soup Kitchen, Perth Amboy’s Renovation House and Edison’s Hands of Hope.
“It is a huge relief to have groups like FeedNJ support our local restaurants while feeding people in need," said Director of the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners, Ronald G. Rios. "To date, their private fundraising efforts have resulted in well over $100,000 going back into Middlesex County restaurants, and well over 10,000 delicious meals served to our residents. We are proud to give FeedNJ this grant because we know it means more revenue for Middlesex County restaurants and fresh meals in Middlesex County soup kitchens.”
“This Spring, during the first ban on indoor dining, my business was hemorrhaging money and I didn’t think I’d be able to retain even half of my staff, but FeedNJ contacted me asking to buy 1,595 meals and it was like a lifeline in the dark,” said Carlos Rodriguez, owner of Cafe Torres in Perth Amboy.
FeedNJ hosts statewide events throughout the month. However, one Friday each month is a big day of action called #FeedingFriday, in which thousands of meals are served across the state. The August 2020 through January 2021 #FeedingFridays alone served over 7,000 meals.
FeedNJ is operated by SoupKitchen411, a registered 501(c)(3) Non-Profit with a Platinum rating by GuideStar. To make a tax-deductible donation to support local families and restaurants, visit www.soupkitchen411.com.