COUNTY OFFICE OF FOOD SECURITY NOW ACCEPTING 2023 SUSTAINABILITY GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATIONS

HACKENSACK, NJ – The Bergen County Department of Human Services’ Office of Food Security announces that they are now accepting applications for the 2023 Food Pantry Sustainability Grant Program.

The Sustainability Grant Program – which was established in 2021, is open to eligible non-profit organizations in Bergen County that operate a food pantry, host meal distributions, or provide food delivery services to Bergen County residents in need.

The Sustainability Grant Program, which has awarded nearly $1 million in ARP funds to 50 organizations across Bergen County, 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.

"The County’s Sustainability Grant Program administered through the Office of Food Security has proven to be a vital resource in the fight against food insecurity,” County Executive Jim Tedesco. “With this new round of funding, we aim to continue empowering non-profit organizations to enhance their infrastructure and services, ultimately serving our residents in need the most."

"This year alone there has been a 22% increase in those turning to local pantries, making this funding critical to ensure our pantry partners can meet the needs of our residents with dignity and respect," said Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur. "The Sustainability Grant Program will support pantries as they strive to provide healthier food options and wrap-around services which will not only fight hunger in our county, but treat the root causes of food insecurity."

The 2023 Food Pantry Sustainability Grant round will open for applications on September 15 and conclude on October 20th. 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.

The Bergen County Office of Food Security, formerly the Food Security Task Force, was formed in 2020 due to the skyrocketing need caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Operating under the County’s Department of Human Services, the Office works to create a more resilient network of emergency food providers by supplementing pantry distributions, building relationships between partners, and investing in vital infrastructure. To ensure food pantries are equipped to holistically serve individuals facing food insecurity, the Office of Food Security provides access to external resources such as rental assistance, affordable childcare, job training, and mental health counseling.