Emergency Food Program 2021
CFA has grown from a small food pantry in the basement of a church to the leading food provider in northern New Jersey. For over 45 years we worked to further our mission to prevent hunger and homelessness in northern New Jersey. Over the years we have been there to help communities recover from storms, recessions, and other crises. We never could have envisioned a time when we would serve 1,000 families a week. Even though we have had to temporarily give up our in-person advocacy, we remain connected to those we serve and strive to be a resource beyond food for those in need.
Pandemic Response
Food Program
- Any resident of Bergen County or northern Passaic County in need of food may make an appointment for a drive-through food appointment. Homebound or ill individuals may request food delivery appointments.
- Once checked-in at CFA, individuals in vehicles open the trunk and CFA volunteers place a repacked box of non-perishables, along with fresh produce, and meat, cheese, eggs, and dairy when available.
- Clients can come for food packages up to 2 times a month.
CFA sources and purchases food in large quantities from a variety of suppliers. Boxes are prepacked at CFA’s warehouse and include nonperishable items such as canned goods, pasta sauce, pasta, and nut butter. As funding and item availability permits, CFA purchases food items such as eggs, meat, and fresh produce to include in the packages.
Counseling and Advocacy
CFA provides information, referrals, counseling, and advocacy to clients by phone and helps them access government and community services to which they are entitled.
Advocates work with families to help them assess their options and makes recommendations to clients so that
they can address the issues that led to the immediate
crises and suggests ways they can implement long-term solutions that will help provide individuals and families
with a better quality of life.
If appropriate, clients are referred to CFA’s other programs, which include assistance with rent, security deposits, utility bills, purchase of heating oil, etc.