NEW JERSEY ASSEMBLY SPEAKER CRAIG COUGHLIN VISITS AGRICULTURAL PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN FOOD BANK OF SOUTH JERSEYAND LANDISVILLE PRODUCE CO-OPERATIVE
NJ’s Food and Hunger Grant helps get much-needed healthy produce to neighbors facing food insecurity while directly supporting New Jersey’s agricultural community
PENNSAUKEN, NJ (July 22, 2024) – Earlier today, the Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) and its partners at the Landisville Produce Co-operative welcomed New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Assemblyman William Spearman, and Executive Director of the NJ Farm Bureau Pete Furey to the Co-op’s facilities. The visit highlighted how state support helps ensure local produce reaches the residents who need it most. The group also visited nearby Ploch Farm, a member of the 30-farm Co-operative.
“The partnership between the Food Bank of South Jersey and the Landisville Produce Co-operative is a model of innovation and impact for New Jersey’s farmers and families in need,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “We have increased State investment for similar programs around the state to encourage food banks to purchase produce directly from local farmers. This helps stabilize prices, reduce food waste, and create efficient ways to deliver nutritious food to New Jersey’s food banks. My thanks to the growers and partners for their work and today’s discussion. We can build on successes like this so our agricultural economy can continue to thrive and help us in the fight against food insecurity.”
The Food Bank began its partnerships with local agricultural organizations in 2022. Supported by the State’s Food and Hunger Grant, these collaborations boost local economy and ensure a steady supply of fresh, nutritious produce to community members facing food insecurity.
“The work being done by the Food Bank of South Jersey and the Landisville Produce Co-operative showcases the power of community partnerships, we can always achieve our goals if we work together,” said Assemblyman Spearman (D- Camden, Gloucester). “By investing in our local agriculture, we ensure fresh, nutritious food reaches those who need it most, allowing residents of Southern New Jersey to lead happier and healthier lives.”
The purchasing program between FBSJ and the Co-op:
- gets much-needed nutritious produce to neighbors facing food insecurity
- supports the NJ agricultural community and the local farm economy with fair-market prices
- helps farmers to address market fluctuations and reduce any potential food waste
- increases capacity to reach more neighbors through just-in-time deliveries direct to agencies
- centralized point of contact creates additional efficiency for FBSJ and increases the variety of produce offered
“The Food Bank is proud to collaborate with the Co-op on this valuable program, and we are so glad that Speaker Coughlin could see firsthand how State funding is improving the health and stability of our communities in new and innovative ways,” said Fred Wasiak, President & CEO of FBSJ. “Our partnerships with agricultural organizations are a win-win: it ensures our neighbors have access to nutritious food while also supporting the dedicated farmers who are the backbone of our local food system.”
In 2022, FBSJ purchased 155,000 pounds of produce from the Co-op, which was given to partner agencies to support neighbors facing food insecurity. The following year, that number more than doubled, with FBSJ purchasing 350,000 pounds. In 2024, FBSJ expects to reach almost 500,000 pounds, primarily driven through new initiatives where food is also delivered directly from the Co-op to partner agencies in mixed-use boxes.
For photos and videos from today’s event, please visit this Dropbox link.
About the Landisville Co-operative
The Landisville Produce Co-operative was started in 1914 and is the oldest operating fruit and vegetable co-operative in the United States. We represent a network of over 30 local growers who have been selected based on their continued quality and reliability. Our growers provide us with product availability, and we provide them with a sales and distribution venue. We also support our growers by providing point of sale displays and trade show support.
About the Food Bank of South Jersey
The Food Bank of South Jersey believes that no one should go to bed hungry. Since 1985, it has served the children, families and seniors of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties by distributing safe and healthy food, providing nutrition education and cooking courses, and developing sustainable pathways for neighbors to improve their lives. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and member of Feeding America, FBSJ distributed more than 18 million meals in 2023, through direct distributions and its network of more than 200 partner agencies. For more information, visit FoodBankSJ.org.
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