04 Oct BD To Sponsor Emergency Services for NJ Families
Englewood, NJ (October 4, 2021) – Center for Food Action (CFA) is pleased to announce BD as a premier sponsor of the organization’s 45th anniversary event, in support of thousands of area families. With this gift, BD helps fund emergency service programs to ensure northern New Jersey families have access to fresh produce and meats, and that they can receive assistance with rent and utility bills.
The announcement was made by Patricia Espy, Center for Food Action’s Executive Director. “CFA was founded by Harry Chapin and Bill Ayres 45 years ago to help fight poverty” stated Espy, “BD’s generous sponsorship provides funds to continue our important work in the post-pandemic world.”
The organization’s 45th anniversary fundraiser, Moving Forward Together, will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2021. The hybrid event, hosted by NBC News4NewYork’s Jen Maxfield, will commemorate 45 years of service to the community, bestow awards to community partners and outline CFA’s plans for the future, including a healthy foods initiative and client choice pantries.
“BD is committed to supporting the resiliency of the communities where our employees live and work,” said Monica Council-Miles, senior manager of Social Investing for BD. “We know that healthy food and safe homes are essential building blocks that all families need to thrive, and we’re grateful to the Center for Food Action for their leadership and commitment to expanding access to these basic needs among vulnerable families in New Jersey.”
Center for Food Action witnessed a dramatic increase in food assistance requests as more residents are out of work because of businesses closing due to the Coronavirus. Each week, over twelve hundred emergency food packages were distributed through appointment-only, drive-through pickups at CFA’s five area pantries and by home delivery to those who cannot get to CFA due to age, disability, weakened immune system or quarantine. The organization anticipates the number of families and individuals in need of food assistance to remain higher than pre-pandemic levels for several years and is also concerned with housing security as New Jersey’s rent moratorium comes to an end.