New Jersey is one of the wealthiest states in the nation. Yet, hunger is close by. It strikes your child’s classmates. Your elderly neighbor. Maybe even people in your own family. Hunger is stealthy. It can invade our lives in one crushing moment – a lost job, a debilitating accident, a serious illness.
There is no one face of hunger. Because hunger hurts all of us. That is why it takes a collective effort to end hunger. It takes public and political will. It takes widespread change.
Using a strategic combination of state and federal advocacy and local grassroot activism, Hunger Free New Jersey, formerly the New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition, takes a comprehensive approach to solving hunger.
We educate the public and decision-makers about hunger — its causes, its solutions. We bring together diverse organization to fight hunger. We push for legislative and policy changes and organize local advocates to ensure that every New Jersey residents has enough healthy food to eat.
Our work is made possible through the generous support of the Center for Food Action, Food Research & Action Center, Partners for Health, the New Jersey Healthy Communities Network and the Tusk Montgomery Philanthropies.
Adele LaTourette
Director
Adele LaTourette has led Hunger Free New Jersey, formerly the New Jersey Anti-Hunger Coalition, since its inception in 1980. She is a leading voice in New Jersey’s anti-hunger and nutrition community and serves as a resource to emergency food coalitions throughout the state.
Adele’s leadership in the anti-hunger field earned her the prestigious Wheeler/Wellstone Award; given by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) in Washington, DC. This national award is given annually to a person deemed to be the leading anti-hunger advocate in the nation. Adele is also the convener of the Mid-Atlantic Anti-Hunger Coalition, past Chair of the WIC Advisory Council and past president of the New Jersey Food Stamp Advisory Committee.
Email Adele at alatourette@cfanj.org
Lisa Pitz
Outreach Director
Lisa Pitz has been with Hunger Free New Jersey since 2002. Lisa holds an MSW in Community Organizing and Program Planning and has been working on issues pertaining to hunger and homelessness for more than 20 years. Lisa works in communities throughout the state to form effective coalitions to ensure healthy, affordable food is available to thousands children and families who struggle to make ends meet. Lisa chairs the NJ College and University Food Bank Alliance and is a member of the Anti-Poverty Network of NJ and Mid-Atlantic Anti-Hunger Coalition.
Email Lisa at lpitz@cfanj.org.
Nancy Parello
Communications Director
Nancy has worked in the advocacy field for 16 years and previously served as communications director for Advocates for Children of New Jersey and the New Jersey Department of the Public Advocate/Office of the Child Advocate. Prior to becoming an advocate, Nancy was a reporter for 16 years, spending the last six years of her reporting career as a Statehouse reporter for the Associated Press and the Bergen Record.
Email Nancy at nparello@cfanj.org.