It’s a bit cliche to say it takes a village to help combat food insecurity. What it really takes is a number of organizations fully committed to making an impact — and working together to do so.
That is what is taking place in Camden.
Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen, the Camden County Commissioners and Cooper Foundation and DoorDash are working together for a third consecutive fall on a program during Hunger Action Month.
Through its Community Credits program, DoorDash provided the City of Camden with $10,000 in gift cards to support local organizations that are working to fight hunger and broaden food access in the Camden community. This marks the third year of this partnership, which has provided $35,000 in Community Credits to date.
The Community Credits program will enable local nonprofit organizations to distribute DoorDash gift cards to Camden residents, helping to reduce the barriers to accessing food. The Cooper Foundation will play a pivotal role in accepting the contribution from DoorDash and working in partnership with the city to get them into the hands of residents in need.
Carstarphen said the community effort shows the power of partnership.
“We are proud to partner with DoorDash for another year during Hunger Action Month,” he said. “This ongoing partnership marks an important milestone that reflects our shared commitment to fighting food insecurity in Camden.
“These Community Credits will empower local organizations and help them support more families in need in our community. Camden is resilient, and together we are strengthening our community, so no one goes hungry.”
Camden County Commissioner Jennifer Fleisher said the impact will be great.
“Addressing food insecurity is a priority for Camden County, and partnerships like this one are critical,” she said. “We commend Mayor Carstarphen and DoorDash for their leadership and look forward to continuing to build a stronger Camden together.”
The need is there.
Food insecurity is an escalating concern in South Jersey. In 2024, the Food Bank of South Jersey distributed 23.4 million pounds of food, provided 19.5 million meals and served 185,000 people, including 67,000 children, per month.
Camden City Council President Angel Fuentes expressed his gratitude for continued partnership with DoorDash and the Cooper Foundation.
“Thank you to the Cooper Foundation and DoorDash for helping to fight hunger in Camden,” he said. “Way too many families in the City of Camden go without food every day. We look forward to strengthening this partnership as we work collectively to address food insecurity and equitable food access.”
Lisa Morina, senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer at the Cooper Foundation underscored the importance of increasing food access to the overall health of the Camden community.
Lisa Morina, senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer at the Cooper Foundation, said Cooper – long a pillar in the community – was eager to help.
“We know that food insecurity is a health issue as much as it is an economic one,” she said. “Without access to meals or proper nutrition, our communities and families cannot flourish. We are proud to support this partnership between the City of Camden and DoorDash and work together to improve the health of the Camden community.”
Ivan Garcia, the public engagement senior manager for DoorDash, said their organization views the effort as part of their mission to assist the communities it serves.
“We are grateful to partner with the City of Camden for a third year to help families access the food and essentials they need,” he said. “At DoorDash, we are committed to fighting hunger in local communities, and our Community Credits program helps local leaders and organizations broaden their reach and help more people in need in their communities. We look forward to our continued collaboration with the City of Camden and local nonprofit partners.”
State Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez and Assemblyman Bill Moen echoed the importance of the partnership.
“As local leaders, we must ensure that everyone in Camden has access to food and other resources they need to thrive,” Cruz-Perez said. “This partnership between the city, DoorDash, and local organizations will make an immediate impact for families in need.”
Moen continued on the importance of access to food and other essential resources.
“Food insecurity is one of the most important priorities for us to maintain healthy communities throughout our legislative district,” he said. “I want to applaud DoorDash for its commitment to fighting hunger and helping us collect as many resources as possible to combat this need in Camden City.”
