CFA Newsletter July 2020 - Center For Food Action

21 Jul CFA Newsletter July 2020

Posted at 10:29h in News by centerforfood

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COVID-19, high unemployment, businesses, and schools closed, the first half of 2020 has left a mark on all of us. As we begin the next six months of 2020 we remain optimistic, ever mindful of the stories we are hearing in our community. During this pandemic, CFA has served more than 37,700 people in northern New Jersey. The families we meet tell similar stories, most never imagined that they would find themselves needing help from organizations like CFA to feed their families. We are grateful for the donations many of you have made during this crisis. When we needed you, you were there. Thank you!

We are not done yet. As thousands of families see unemployment benefits shrink, personal savings evaporate and summer feeding programs struggle in the absence of community pools and camps, the need for food assistance will continue to grow.

CFA’s Pandemic Response

CFA changed processes followed for decades in order to respond to the volume of need while facing limitations of safe social spacing, health concerns among our long-time volunteer family, and disruptions in the food supply chain.

Each week an average of 1,000 households receive food packages containing approximately $70 worth of food (a shelf-stable box packed by CFA volunteers, plus frozen meat, fresh milk, eggs, vegetables, or

fruits, if available.)

Since March 25, 2020, CFA has distributed food using a drive-through, no-contact system at 5 sites. In addition, in order to reach at-risk populations, those suffering from COVID-19 or groups with disabilities, CFA began home deliveries. Doorstep deliveries in partnership with the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, and LogistiCare for clients in Passaic County, began in mid-April and have helped nearly 900 people who otherwise would not have access to CFA.

During this crisis, CFA has partnered with other agencies to help reach more families in need. We have provided food packages to Never Alone Again Resource Center, Metro Community Church, Englewood Housing Authority Senior Housing, 111 West Street, Christ Episcopal Church, and the Metropolitan & Vanguard trailer homes in Moonachie.

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