In an effort aimed at improving food security of the second-worst food desert in New Jersey, NJEDA’s Atlantic City branch has begun awarding grants up to $500,000 in the area.
Out of the 50 areas designated as Food Desert Communities by NJEDA, the Atlantic City/Ventnor FDC ranks second highest, indicating the significant need.
The Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program was established in October 2023 with the intention of strengthening food access in and around Atlantic City. The program recognizes that establishing and building grocery chains, while helpful, takes years, and the residents of Atlantic City need and deserve improved access to nutritious food sooner than that.
Last Friday, the program announced grants between $50,000 and $500,000 for projects in Atlantic City:
- Atlantic County Economic Alliance ($499,950): in partnership with C.R.O.P.S. (Communities Revolutionizing Open Public Spaces), the ACEA has created an online Farm Share Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. This initiative has allowed residents to purchase a Farm Share, providing them with a biweekly box of fresh, locally grown produce throughout the year.
- Mighty Writers ($500,000): have constructed a new food pantry in the vacant Ginsburg Bakery storefront in the Uptown neighborhood. This initiative is being supported through a partnership with the municipality under the NJEDA Food Security Planning Grant Program.
- The Community Foodbank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) ($497,176): used funds to expand its home delivery meal program to deliver to senior residents. In partnership with DoorDash, CFBNJ is using funds to procure meals for distribution and cover delivery costs associated with the service.
- A Meaningful Purpose at Reed’s Farm ($500,000): has expanded its farming infrastructure and workforce to increase crop yields. Harvests have been donated and distributed throughout Atlantic City in collaboration with nonprofit service organizations.
- Beron Jewish Older Adult Services ($300,000): funds used to support its existing senior-focused food pantry and community center, as well as a home delivery service for seniors. The pantry offers ‘wraparound’ services including nutrition education and healthy cooking classes, supported by a targeted outreach project to enhance its impact.
- AtlantiCare ($500,000): enhanced its food pantry by expanding its equipment inventory, including commercial freezers, refrigerators, a commercial cooking range, workstations, and shelving. Additionally, funds are supporting AtlantiCare’s mobile market program by supporting supplemental food purchases, and financing vehicle fuel and maintenance costs. AtlantiCare has also introduced a new meal delivery service for seniors and medically fragile individuals.
- Jewish Family Services of Atlantic County ($500,000): Established a mobile food pantry and provide food security case management. The mobile pantry distributes produce and other essential items at community hubs such as schools and major employers, and also offers “on-the-go” bags for individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Bangladesh Association of South Jersey ($329,000): enhanced its existing food distribution program and provide resources and materials to its members to cultivate produce in the organization’s community gardens. The organization will self-fund the construction of a community market for residents to sell their produce.
