BERGEN COUNTY FOOD SECURITY TASK FORCE OPENS SECOND ROUND OF FOOD PANTRY SUSTAINABILITY GRANT PROGRAM

HACKENSACK, NJ – The Bergen County Food Security Task Force is excited to announce the second round of the Food Pantry Sustainability Grant Program, which will open for applications on September 1.

The Sustainability Grant Program – which was established in 2021 using American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, is open to eligible non-profit organizations in Bergen County that operate a food pantry, host a meal distribution event, or provide food delivery services to Bergen County residents in need.

The Sustainability Grant Program, which awarded more than $500,000 in ARP funds to 47 organizations from across Bergen County in its initial round, provides funding for critically needed items in key areas including infrastructure improvements, technology improvements, and weatherization. Some of the items purchased with grant funds include refrigerators, freezers, shelving units and prep tables, computers and tablets, and tents, fans, and heaters.

With food insecurity still affecting so many of our neighbors in Bergen County, targeted investments like ones made possible by the Food Pantry Sustainability Grant are more important than ever,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “These critical funds will help Bergen County food pantries continue to meet the needs of residents in our communities, reinforcing their ability to provide nutritious food to so many who are struggling.”

“The Task Force’s goal is to provide our pantries with the tools to sustain their operations long-term,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Tracy Zur. “This grant will allow for improvements to pantry infrastructure to ensure they can receive fresher and healthier food items for their clients, digitize, and modernize client management through technology improvements, and guarantee that food distributions can occur uninterrupted year-round, rain or shine.”

The Food Pantry Sustainability Grant 2nd round will be open for applications from September 1st to October 14th. All eligible non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply for funding; for more information about the program please contact Patrick Fallon at pfallon@co.bergen.nj.us or by phone at (201) 336-7464. To register a non-profit organization with the Food Security Task Force please contact bcfoodtaskforce2020@gmail.com.

The Bergen County Food Security Task Force, founded by Commissioner Tracy Zur in partnership with the Tedesco administration, was formed in July of 2020 as a response to the skyrocketing need for food and services after the onset of the pandemic. The Task Force has been working to connect the food providers in Bergen County and assist them in sourcing best practices and sustainable solutions to combat the persistent levels of hunger in the community.