While delivering food is central to our mission, so is inspiring healthy and positive lifestyles through programs that provide nutrition counseling, medical screenings, and regular access to healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy.
Last year, the FoodBank delivered nearly 35 million pounds of fresh produce – about 34% of the total food distributed for the year. In addition, 76% of the food we provide comes from highly nutritious “foods to encourage” categories.
Healthy Families Farmers Markets
Modeled after traditional farmers markets, we work with community partners to distribute free, fresh produce – delicious and nutritious food that struggling New Jerseyans often can’t afford. Launched in 2017, now with 13 sites across the state, our Healthy Families Farmers Markets provide fresh fruits and vegetables year-round.
Diabetes Initiative
In partnership with Summit Health Cares, we help clients with diabetes by providing health screenings, diabetes-friendly food and nutrition tips at several community partners across the state.
This program is possible due to support from Novo Nordisk.
Nutrition Education
Our state-funded SNAP-Ed nutrition education program, launched in the summer of 2018, teaches our neighbors in need how to eat right on a budget and make physical activity a part of their lives. We provide targeted education for all age groups in 12 counties across the state.
Trinitas Medical Center Care Transitions Program
Food Service Training Academy students prepare a five-day menu of heart-healthy, medically tailored meals for low-income seniors after they are discharged from the hospital.
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Partnership
In partnership with Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, we provide summer meals for kids, nutrition education, and SNAP application assistance. We will also supply food for the Center’s on-site pantry, coming soon to the Rev. Dr. Ronald B. Christian Community Health and Wellness Center, which will serve mothers, seniors, and eventually, the broader community.
``Fresh fruits and vegetables can be really hard to come by, so the farmers market really helps.`` -Delisa
``The diabetes program helps me a lot because I didn't know that my blood sugar was so high. Now I'm able to manage it properly.`` -Ellen
``My kids love fruits and vegetables, but I haven't been able to afford them for the past few months. I'm grateful for the produce that the FoodBank provides.`` -Vanessa