NEW JERSEY — Eighteen credit unions across New Jersey have joined forces for the third annual New Jersey Credit Unions Food Cooperative, a statewide effort aimed at helping food pantries meet increased demand during the summer months.
The initiative, led by First Harvest Credit Union, Affinity Federal Credit Union and EdiFi Credit Union, will collect nonperishable food donations from June 15 through Aug. 31 at participating credit union branches throughout the state.
Organizers said the drive is intended to replenish food pantry shelves at a time when many children lose access to school-provided meals during summer break.
According to the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate, the state’s average food insecurity rate was 11.7% in 2023, affecting approximately 1.1 million residents. Food insecurity among children increased from 9% in 2020 to 13.4% in 2023.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has also identified 50 food desert communities across the state, home to a combined population of 1.5 million residents with limited access to healthy and affordable food options.
Donations collected at each participating credit union branch will remain in local communities and support nearby food pantries and community organizations.
Requested items include canned fruits and vegetables, whole-grain pasta and rice, instant potatoes, low-sugar cereals, canned proteins such as tuna and chicken, shelf-stable milk and nut milks, soups and stews, and spreads packaged in plastic containers.
“As not-for-profit credit unions, we have an inherent responsibility to uplift the communities we serve. New Jersey’s credit unions serve a wide variety of rural, urban and suburban communities. There is a food inequity and affordability crisis that is impacting all of our residents. Credit unions have a proven ability to lead when there is a need to help those who are underserved. New Jersey’s credit unions are proud to lead on this important member-driven mission,” said First Harvest President & CEO Mike Dinneen.
“We’re seeing the stress that the increased cost of food and necessities is having on our local communities. This effort to help those in need is perfectly consistent with the mission of the credit union movement to lift up individuals and families. It’s great to see so many of our credit union colleagues collaborating together towards this initiative,” said EdiFi Credit Union President & CEO Jill Peterson.
“With food insecurity on the rise throughout the state, we felt a call to action to support communities with limited access to healthy and affordable food sources. The credit union difference is about people helping people, and New Jersey credit unions coming together for initiatives like this demonstrates the cooperative spirit of working with our members and local communities,” said Affinity Federal Credit Union President & CEO Kevin Brauer.
Participating institutions include Affinity Federal Credit Union, EdiFi Credit Union, First Harvest Credit Union, ACE Federal Credit Union, Advanced Financial Federal Credit Union, Bay Atlantic Federal Credit Union, Bridgeton Onized Federal Credit Union, County Excellence Federal Credit Union, Deepwater Industries Federal Credit Union, Elizabeth, N.J. Firemen’s Federal Credit Union, Healthcare Employees Federal Credit Union, Manville Area Federal Credit Union, Members 1st of NJ Federal Credit Union, Motion Federal Credit Union, Princeton Federal Credit Union, Ridgedale Federal Credit Union, Seaport Federal Credit Union and The Atlantic Federal Credit Union.
Residents can donate by visiting any participating credit union branch through Aug. 31.
