An innovative statewide collaboration has been launched to combat hunger with fresh, locally grown produce, ensuring that New Jersey residents facing food insecurity have greater access to healthy fruits and vegetables. The initiative unites America’s Grow-a-Row (AGAR), the Mid-Atlantic Regional Cooperative (MARC), and all five Feeding America New Jersey food banks.
Leaders from the partnering organizations and state officials, including Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Edward Wengryn, gathered at AGAR’s farm to celebrate the effort, which will keep more than 2.3 million pounds of NJ-grown produce—equivalent to 9 million servings—in the state this year alone.
Collaboration fights hunger with dignity
The partnership directly addresses the fact that one in nine New Jersey residents faces food insecurity. By bringing together the state’s largest nonprofit farm with a coordinated distribution network, the model ensures local food reaches every corner of the state efficiently and sustainably.
“This initiative demonstrates the power of partnership,” Chip Paillex, president and founder of AGAR. “This collaboration is a united effort to fight hunger with dignity and sustainability. We are ensuring that more of the food we grow right here in New Jersey stays in New Jersey—reaching residents who need it most.”
The core of the initiative relies on:
- America’s Grow-a-Row (AGAR): Providing the free, fresh produce.
- Mid-Atlantic Regional Cooperative (MARC): Offering logistical expertise, including sorting and packaging services to ensure food banks receive a high-quality variety of produce.
- All Five Feeding America NJ Food Banks: Utilizing their extensive distribution networks—including the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Food Bank of South Jersey, Fulfill, Mercer Street Friends, and Norwescap—to deliver the food to local pantries and residents.
Delivering healthy, tangible solutions
State officials praised the collaboration for delivering innovative solutions to a persistent problem.
Speaker Coughlin noted, “Access to healthy food is a basic human right, and there is urgent need in New Jersey for access to fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables. This initiative proves when organizations work together, we can deliver innovative and tangible solutions to fight food insecurity in New Jersey.”
The partnership’s focus on fresh food is particularly important for health outcomes. Elizabeth McCarthy, president & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, highlighted this need: “Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential for good health, yet they are often the hardest items for families facing hunger to access. This partnership brings nutritious food directly to neighbors who need it most, and it gives all of us hope for a healthier, stronger New Jersey.”
