New Jersey American Water Donates $25,000 and 1,000 Pounds of Food Through Statewide Food Drive for New Jersey Food Banks
Photo Credit: New Jersey American Water
CAMDEN — New Jersey American Water recently donated $25,000 to ten food banks across the state and held food drives at each of its operating centers, which garnered over 1,000 pounds of food in donations from employees and company partners. The company announced its pledge to donate and kicked off the food drive in late October to provide emergency relief to food banks facing increases in demand due to the federal shutdown.
“Access to basic needs like clean water and nutritious food is essential for healthy communities,” said Kimberly Schalek Downes, vice president of Business Development, Government & External Affairs at New Jersey American Water. “By partnering with food banks across the state, we’re proud to help provide relief during this challenging time and support our neighbors who need it most.”
According to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and Feeding America’s latest analysis, nearly 1.1 million New Jerseyans, including more than 270,000 children, are food insecure, a 65% increase since 2020. To help combat this, donations from New Jersey American Water and its employees directly benefit the following food banks:
Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Hillside in Union & Essex Counties
Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Egg Harbor Township in Atlantic, Cape May & Cumberland Counties
The Food Bank of South Jersey in Burlington, Camden & Salem, Gloucester Counties
FulFill Food Bank in Monmouth & Ocean Counties
Food Bank Network of Somerset County in Somerset County
Mercer Street Friends Food Bank in Mercer County
Norwescap Food Bank in Warren County
REPLENISH in Middlesex County
John's Pentecostal Church food bank in Salem County
United Methodist Church food bank in Warren County
"I’m humbled by the enthusiasm of our employees to give back,” said Schalek Downes. “Their dedication reflects the heart of our company and our commitment to the communities we serve.”