MARGATE – Food insecurity has reached epidemic levels nationwide, and the impact is felt acutely in South Jersey. According to the most recent study by Feeding America, 13.3% of residents in Atlantic County and 12.3% in Cape May County experience food insecurity on a daily basis.
A recent $15,000 grant provided by The Wawa Foundation will help support JFS Food Security program by keeping the pantry well stocked with hearty and nutritious selections as well as basic essentials for walk-in clients and home deliveries. The funding also supports JFS Mobile Pantry, which hosts seven weekly food distributions at community partner sites including Atlantic Cape Community College, Oceanside Family Success Centers, South Jersey Family Medical Center, Best of Life, Spanish Community Center and the JFS Atlantic City office.
With a mission to minimize hunger and increase food accessibility, the mobile food pantry distributes fresh produce, dairy, non-perishable items, meats, poultry and protein-rich foods to individuals and families in need. Additionally, JFS offers a multitude of wraparound programs to connect people to other agency resources including counseling, housing support and career services.
“For more than eight years, The Wawa Foundation has been a steadfast JFS partner through its generous charitable giving,” JFS CEO Andrea Steinberg said. “Their commitment to support healthy living programs and hunger relief efforts play a critical role in building stronger, healthier communities.”
In 2025 alone, the JFS pantry distributed more than 260,000 pounds of food and essential items to over 13,000 residents, including 4,850 children. Additionally, staff and volunteers delivered more than 1,500 kosher meals to older adults throughout the region, including Holocaust survivors.
For information on acquiring or donating food, email the JFS Pantry at [email protected].
