FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bergenfield, NJ - November 28, 2023 Today, on Giving Tuesday, Congressman Josh Gottheimer visited the Bergenfield Food Pantry to announce new bipartisan legislation aimed at ensuring SNAP recipients, including millions of children and seniors, have access to the nutritious foods they need to thrive.
In New Jersey alone, more than 800,000 people face hunger — including nearly 200,000 children. This equates to one in ten Jersey kids facing hunger. Recent reports found that one in nine people in Bergen County did not have appropriate access to nutritious food, with children making up 30 percent of this demographic.
The Bergenfield Food Pantry is dedicated to serving the needs of local residents and strives to eliminate food insecurity within Bergenfield.
Mayor Arvin Amatorio, who was among the attendees at the event, commended the initiative. His statement on the issue is as follows:
"We are so proud to welcome the Congressman today, our Food Pantry is a life line for those in need.” Mayor Amatorio continued, “We are currently low on food due to the holiday showing how important this institution is to the people. "
Other notable attendees included Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, Commissioner Tracy Zur, Commissioner Rafael Marte, Councilwoman Ora Kornbluth, and Councilman Buddy Deauna.
Joel Berg CEO of Hunger Free America, “For a municipality to take personal responsibility and operate a food pantry is remarkable and not something we see in many municipalities in this country.”
In light of Giving Tuesday, this legislation serves as a reminder of the importance of access to nutritious foods and the community's collective responsibility to ensure no one goes hungry.
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About Bergenfield Food Pantry
The Bergenfield Food Pantry is a community-driven initiative dedicated to eradicating food insecurity in Bergenfield, NJ. Through various programs and initiatives, the pantry provides nutritious food options for families, children, and seniors who are experiencing hunger and food insecurity.