Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) launched a massive “Day of Connection” initiative to provide warmth and food security to the state’s most vulnerable residents this holiday season. The network announced today that it is donating approximately $500,000 worth of winter essentials and food gift cards to more than 200 shelters and warming centers across New Jersey.
Leveraging its workforce of 38,000 team members across 18 hospitals, the health network mobilized volunteers to pack over 10,000 “warming bags.” Each bag contains hats, gloves, socks, and neck gaiters for both adults and children.
In addition to winter gear, every recipient is receiving a $40 DoorDash gift card. These cards are intended to provide immediate access to hot meals or essential supplies, such as toiletries and diapers, which can be delivered directly to those in need.
“At Hackensack Meridian Health, our commitment extends far beyond the walls of our hospitals,” Robert Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health said. “The Day of Connection embodies our core mission to build healthier communities. By providing essential resources to our most vulnerable neighbors, we are actively addressing the underlying factors that affect health.”
The initiative is funded by the Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation and is part of a broader strategy to tackle the “social determinants of health”—non-medical factors like housing and nutrition that significantly impact long-term wellness.
Dr. Nicole Harris-Hollingsworth, senior vice president of Social Impact and Population Health said. “We understand that stable access to nutritious food and warmth is foundational to any successful health outcome,” she stated.
To ensure long-term benefits, the donation kits also include information on Healthy Connections, an HMH program that offers:
-
Fresh Match: A nutritional incentive program that doubles the value of SNAP benefits for fresh produce.
-
Medically Tailored Meals: Support for patients with specific dietary needs post-discharge.
-
Community Resources: Connections to housing and social services.
The “Day of Connection” comes as Hackensack University Medical Center, the network’s flagship facility, continues to hold its position as the No. 1 hospital in the NY/NJ metro area and a Top 20 hospital nationally according to U.S. News & World Report.
