UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES AND FEEDING SOUTH JERSEY FOR 40 YEARS

A Note from Fred Wasiak, President & CEO, Food Bank of South Jersey

Over 40 years, unexpected challenges are inevitable – and the Food Bank of South Jersey has weathered our share.

Government shutdowns. Natural disasters. Economic downturns. A global pandemic.

Coming off a record year in 2024 – 23.4 million pounds of food distributed, the equivalent of 19.5 million meals – we entered 2025 strong.

But then came the unexpected.

Earlier this year, we were notified that a key federal food distribution program was canceled, cutting more than 200,000 pounds of vital proteins, dairy, and produce.

We also learned that the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program – which provides neighbors with fresh produce from local farms – will end later this year. That means a loss of 284,000 pounds of food for FBSJ and carries serious implications for local farmers and their businesses, who have relied on this partnership to sustain and grow their operations.

These setbacks are significant. And with potential changes to SNAP on the horizon, more may lie ahead.

Our job is not only to serve but to advocate. To use our voice and elevate the voices of those we serve.

Like every challenge before, we’ll face this one head-on. We’ll find new solutions, fill the gaps, and remain here to Feed South Jersey – for the next 40 years and beyond.

 

 

Fred C. Wasiak
President & CEO

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