The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) hosted its Eighth Annual Women Fighting Hunger Luncheon recently at Linwood Country Club in Linwood and the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park to support CFBNJ’s healthy food distribution efforts. For the second time, the event was held in two locations simultaneously—one in North Jersey and one in South Jersey – to unite supporters from across the state. In total, 550 people attended the Luncheon, which raised more than $350,000 with the generous support of sponsors, event chairs, and attendees.
The South Jersey event was sponsored by ACME Nourishing Neighbors, Spencer’s & Spirit Halloween, and Atlantic City Electric.
CFBNJ works to address hunger as a health issue, providing nearly 37 million pounds of fresh produce annually so that neighbors in need can live healthy, active, and productive lives. The organization distributes over 90 million meals annually to support neighbors’ nutritional needs related to health concerns, cultural considerations, and food preferences.
Luncheon attendees supported a healthy lifestyle and spice food drive to help CFBNJ provide healthy, flavorful food. They brought low-sodium canned vegetables, canned chicken, low-sodium canned soups, and bottled spices and dried herbs to the event for distribution to CFBNJ’s partner pantries. The drive collected nearly 2,400 pounds of these sought-after items.
The Luncheon began at 11 am with a volunteer hour at both locations, during which attendees packed close to 1,100 healthy lifestyle meal kits that included canned chicken, low-sodium chicken broth, low-sodium canned vegetables, fruit in natural juice, split peas, rice, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and a recipe card.
The event’s lunch and formal program featured an interview with celebrated chef and food justice advocate Sophia Roe.
The second part of the South Jersey event included a live conversation between certified nutritionist and fitness professional Nancy Adler, Samantha Kiley, Executive Director for the AtlantiCare Foundation, and Michelle Gross, Director of Community Nutrition at CFBNJ. They spoke about health and wellness and how the conditions in which we work, live, and grow affect our well-being. In North Jersey, this portion of the program featured a live discussion between Sophia Roe, Andrea B. Harris, MBA, CHIE, PAHM, Vice President, Chief Quality & Health Equity Officer, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, and Jeannie Fournier, Vice President of Programs & Services at CFBNJ.
