Jewish Family Service of Atlantic and Cape May Counties (JFS) inaugurated a mobile food pantry on October 15, 2023, marking a significant advancement in its efforts to tackle food insecurity in the region. The launch took place at the Borgata Surface parking lot, where the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, alongside its parent company, MGM Resorts International, presented JFS with a generous $100,000 grant to bolster its Food Security Initiatives program.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, volunteers from the Borgata contributed an additional 2,000 hygiene kits to be included in the mobile pantry, further enhancing the support offered to community members. The mobile pantry aims to deliver fresh produce and essential items throughout Atlantic City, which is classified as a “food desert.” This designation indicates a significant population with limited access to affordable, healthy food options.
According to JFS, Atlantic City is facing a food insecurity rate of 22%, more than double the statewide average. The organization aims to assist over 3,500 residents in the coming year and distribute more than 10,000 pounds of fresh produce. Currently, one in eight adults in Atlantic City experiences food insecurity, defined as not having enough food or sufficient quality to meet basic needs.
JFS has been providing over 3,000 meals each week, but demand is rising due to increasing living costs. “This mobile pantry will not only provide essential emergency food but also connect community members to a myriad of wrap-around supports offered by JFS and our community partners,” said Laura Rodgers, Chief Impact Officer at JFS.
Rodgers highlighted the growing food needs demonstrated by recent data, noting that JFS assisted over 15,000 people in the last year, a substantial increase from the annual average of 2,000. The mobile pantry is designed for convenience, with plans to visit easily accessible locations such as schools during student pick-up times and job sites when workers conclude their shifts.
Innovative Approach to Food Distribution
The mobile food pantry employs a choice model system, allowing users to create profiles and indicate dietary restrictions while browsing available inventory. During the ribbon-cutting event, attendees had the opportunity to tour the mobile pantry and witness a demonstration of this innovative software system.
Begum Malali, Director of Food Security Initiatives at JFS, emphasized the organization’s collaboration with various retailers through a food rescue program, which salvages unused food that would otherwise be discarded. So far this year, JFS has rescued approximately 14,500 pounds of food from retailers, which helps ensure a diverse inventory that caters to different dietary needs.
Despite the progress made, Malali acknowledged that there is still work to be done. “While we have made strides in food security for this community, we have more work to do. JFS developed the Food Security department last year to provide not just food, but support, referrals, and connections for those guests who visit our mobile or office-based pantry,” she stated.
Looking ahead, JFS plans to increase its distribution efforts over the coming months. “We are just getting started. Moving ahead, we are working to increase to 12 Atlantic City distributions monthly and provide more than 3,100 meals per week. Our team will work to expand choice options and fresh offerings and serve 100 households with ongoing case management support,” Malali added confidently.
As JFS continues to ramp up its food insecurity programs, the mobile pantry stands as a vital resource for the community, enhancing access to nutritious food and comprehensive support services.
