Credit Union Food Coop Benefits Area Food Banks

A network of New Jersey credit unions, co-sponsored by First Harvest, recently collected and distributed more than two tons of food to 20 food banks and charities throughout the state. Among the recipients were Vineland Soup Kitchen, Spirit & Truth Ministries, and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, all in Vineland. 

Members 1st of NJ Federal Credit Union and Bay Atlantic Federal Credit Union were key participants in the effort, which was also co-sponsored by EdiFi Credit Union.

The 13-member New Jersey Credit Unions Food Cooperative was created to help address the growing hunger crisis in New Jersey and handled 4,450 pounds of food during the drive.

This year’s collection period specifically targeted the heightened need for food during the summer months, when many children lose access to school-provided meals while on break. 

The New Jersey Credit Unions Food Cooperative helped replenish the shelves of local food pantries and organizations because of the increased need. All participating credit unions and their designated branches served as collection locations from July 21 through August 31 providing broader geographic coverage across New Jersey. Each credit union branch directly supported a food pantry or organization within the community it serves. 

“As not-for-profit credit unions, we have an inherent responsibility to uplift the communities we serve,” said First Harvest President & CEO Mike Dinneen. “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.” 

Established in 1940, First Harvest Credit Union is a low income-designated credit union headquartered in Deptford. With more than $450 million in assets, 48,000 members, and 700 Select Employer Groups, First Harvest is the largest credit union in Southern New Jersey and operates six full-service branches and seven ATM-only locations across Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, and Gloucester Counties.