In a major statewide collaborative effort, 18 credit unions across New Jersey have united to launch the third annual New Jersey Credit Unions Food Cooperative.
Co-sponsored by First Harvest Credit Union, Affinity Federal Credit Union, and EdiFi Credit Union, the summer-long initiative aims to fight food insecurity and replenish local food pantries during the critical summer months when children lose access to school-provided meal programs.
From June 15 through Aug. 31 branch locations of all 18 participating credit unions will serve as public collection sites for non-perishable food items.
The food drive arrives at a time of heightened economic stress for New Jersey families. According to recent data from the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate:
- New Jersey’s average food insecurity rate sits at 11.7%, impacting 1.1 million residents.
- The food insecurity rate among children under 18 jumped significantly from 9.0% to 13.4% between 2020 and 2023.
- The state has identified 50 food desert communities—areas with severely restricted access to healthy, affordable food—affecting 1.5 million residents.
Many of these identified food deserts sit directly within the operational footprints of the participating credit unions, making this localized push highly strategic.
Leadership from the three co-sponsoring credit unions highlighted the core philosophical mission of the credit union movement—cooperative, not-for-profit community support—as the driving force behind the initiative.
“There is a food inequity and affordability crisis that is impacting all of our residents,” First Harvest President & CEO Mike Dinneen said. “Credit unions have a proven ability to lead when there is a need to help those who are underserved.”
Jill Peterson, President & CEO of EdiFi Credit Union, noted the visible strain inflation has put on families: “We’re seeing the stress that the increased cost of food and necessities is having on our local communities. It’s great to see so many of our credit union colleagues collaborating together towards this initiative.”
Kevin Brauer, President & CEO of Affinity Federal Credit Union, added: “The credit union difference is about people helping people, and New Jersey credit unions coming together for initiatives like this demonstrates the cooperative spirit of working with our members and local communities.”
New Jersey residents and credit union members can drop off donations at any local branch of the 18 participating institutions. All donations collected at a specific branch will directly support food pantries and community organizations within that immediate local area.
Most Needed Items:
- Canned proteins (tuna, chicken) & canned soups/stews
- Canned fruits & vegetables
- Whole grain pasta, rice, & instant potatoes
- Low-sugar cereals
- Shelf-stable milk & nut milks
- Spreads (peanut butter, jelly) in plastic jars
Full List of Participating Credit Unions
- Affinity Federal Credit Union (Co-Sponsor)
- EdiFi Credit Union (Co-Sponsor)
- First Harvest Credit Union (Co-Sponsor)
- ACE Federal Credit Union
- Advanced Financial Federal Credit Union
- Bay Atlantic Federal Credit Union
- Bridgeton Onized Federal Credit Union
- County Excellence Federal Credit Union
- Deepwater Industries Federal Credit Union
- Elizabeth, NJ Firemen’s Federal Credit Union
- Healthcare Employees Federal Credit Union
- Manville Area Federal Credit Union
- Members 1st of NJ Federal Credit Union
- Motion Federal Credit Union
- Princeton Federal Credit Union
- Ridgedale Federal Credit Union
- Seaport Federal Credit Union
- The Atlantic Federal Credit Union
