Impact Numbers Explained: What 2025 Really Looked Like
When we share our year-end numbers, they’re big. They should be – they represent our entire region coming together.
But numbers alone don’t always tell the full story.
Here’s what your support made possible in 2025 and what those figures really mean for South Jersey.
20,692,235 Meals Distributed
That’s more than 20 million moments when someone didn’t have to wonder where their next meal would come from.
A “meal” is a standardized measurement used across food banking to reflect the amount of goods distributed. Behind that number are pantry visits, essential care items, mobile distributions, senior boxes, Summer Meals, and groceries delivered through agency partners.
It’s also a reflection of scale – the infrastructure, partnerships, trucks, warehouses, and volunteers it takes to move food across four counties every single day.
Approximately 189,000 Neighbors Served Each Month
This isn’t a one-time snapshot. It’s a monthly reality.
Serving nearly 189,000 neighbors each month means families are returning because the need is ongoing. It means seniors on fixed incomes, working parents balancing rising costs, and households navigating unexpected challenges are relying on consistent support.
It also means our network of local partners – pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and community organizations – continues to be strong, trusted, and deeply rooted in their neighborhoods.
7,016,935 Pounds of Fresh Produce Provided
Fresh food matters. Fruits and vegetables support long-term health, prevent chronic disease, and help families prepare balanced meals at home.
Which is why our team places so much focus on sourcing, storing, and distributing fresh produce.
More than 7 million pounds of produce moved through our system last year, including 1,893,964 pounds grown right here in New Jersey. That local sourcing is a direct investment in NJ farmers and the regional food system, keeping dollars in the community while moving fresh, locally grown food to neighbors who need it most.
It takes a lot of coordination and investment. But we are committed to feeding people and nourishing communities.
15,757 Health & Wellness Participants
Across 617 Classes and Workshops
Food access is only part of the equation.
Through nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, chronic disease prevention programs, and other health-focused initiatives, more than 15,000 participants engaged in classes designed to build knowledge and confidence.
These programs help families stretch their groceries, prepare nutritious meals, and make informed choices, ultimately strengthening health outcomes across the region.
3,971 Volunteers
11,913 Hours of Service
Every box packed. Every truck unloaded. Every distribution supported.
Nearly 4,000 volunteers gave their time in 2025, contributing close to 12,000 hours of service. That’s the equivalent of years of full-time work dedicated to neighbors they may never meet.
Volunteers are part of the reason we can respond quickly, scale effectively, and keep operations moving.
More Than Numbers
Impact numbers matter. They help us measure progress, identify gaps, and plan for the future.
But they are ultimately about people: families supported, seniors served, children with reliable access to meals, and communities strengthened through consistent access to nourishing food.
For 40 years, being “of South Jersey” has meant responding to local needs with local solutions. It means adapting when circumstances shift and staying grounded in partnership.
As we look ahead, our focus remains clear: continue listening, continue learning, and continue building a food system that serves our region with care, consistency, and accountability.
Thank you for being part of what makes this work possible.