NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Project Self-Sufficiency has received a $20,000 grant from the FirstEnergy Foundation to support its Nourish to Flourish food pantry and efforts to address food insecurity in Sussex and northern Warren counties.
The Newton-based nonprofit announced the grant Thursday, saying the funding will help connect the community with nutritious food, fresh produce and everyday essentials.
According to Project Self-Sufficiency, nearly 14,000 people in Sussex County experienced food insecurity in 2024, the most recent year for which statistics are available.
Project Self-Sufficiency has operated a food pantry in various forms since the organization was founded in 1986. As demand increased, the agency expanded its food storage capacity and added refrigerators and freezers to provide a wider variety of items, including fresh produce and proteins.
In 2025, Project Self-Sufficiency converted an old farmhouse on its campus into its market-style Nourish to Flourish food pantry.
“We are grateful to receive funding to support Project Self-Sufficiency’s mission to bring nutritious food to local individuals and families who have been impacted by rising food prices, job insecurity, and a host of issues which are currently impacting their ability to put food on the table,” remarked Project Self-Sufficiency Chief Executive Officer Deborah Berry-Toon. “Support from the FirstEnergy Foundation will have a dramatic impact on families in our community.”
The grant is part of the FirstEnergy Foundation’s $1.3 million investment in 25 New Jersey hunger-relief organizations. The organizations are expected to provide more than 3.8 million meals.
The funding was awarded as part of Hunger Action Month, a national observance held in September to raise awareness about food insecurity and encourage volunteerism, advocacy and giving.
Jersey Central Power & Light, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., serves 1.2 million customers in 13 counties, including Sussex County.
