Cherry Hill Sun

Tag: grants

  • Funds address ‘staggering’ need in food deserts

    The New Jersey Economic Development Authority Board last month approved more than $9.3 million each in grants to 23 organizations under its Food Equity and Economic Development in New Jersey pilot program.

    The approvals mark the second round of awards in the $30-million program and will expand the board’s support for food-security projects in New Jersey’s 14 most acute Food Desert Communities (FDCs). The first 50 approvals totaled $20.6 million and were made during the board’s November meeting.

    The total funding of $30 million to 73 organizations is one of the largest investments in recent years dedicated to strengthening the state’s food-security infrastructure.  

    “The NJEDA has broadened its food-security efforts throughout Gov. Murphy’s administration, supporting innovative solutions that uplift New Jersey’s families, strengthen our economy and open new doors of opportunity,” said the board’s acting CEO Mary Maples.

    “The funding … will support a range of projects, including grocery delivery and urban farming programs, empowering local partners and providing lasting support to communities that need it most.”

    Each of the 23 grant recipients will receive awards of up to $500,000 and will mostly focus their projects on serving residents of one or more of the highest-need FDCs. Spread across seven counties, they comprise portions of 12 municipalities – including Camden, Pennsauken and Woodlynne – and are home to 567,349 residents.

    The second round of awards approved by the board will serve 36 additional FDCs, including Burlington County.

    All 50 of the state’s designated FDCs will be served by FEED NJ projects that include creating new or expanded food pantries and mobile markets, partnering with farmers to bring locally grown food to New Jersey residents, buying new delivery vehicles and strengthening meal recovery initiatives.

    Visit njeda.gov for the full list of all 73 awardees and descriptions of their proposed projects.

    The NJEDA board’s list of 50 state FDCs was created in consultation with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, and considers more than 24 variables related to a food-retail environment. A full list and map of the sites are available on the FEED NJ website.

    “Just this week a survey of Americans revealed that nearly 70% of people are struggling to afford groceries for their household,” explained Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “That is staggering. These grants will help community feeding organizations expand their programs and more effectively address hunger needs in neighborhoods that lack consistent, reliable and affordable access to nutritious food.”

    FEED NJ complements the NJEDA board’s tool kit of existing programs, which take different approaches to expanding food access. In November, the board announced that it had provided $900,000 to support the state’s six Emergency Feeding Organizations as they faced increased demand due to the crisis in the SNAP program caused by the federal government shutdown.

    FEED NJ is funded with $30 million in proceeds from the NJEDA board’s 2023 and 2024 Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Auctions, authorized by the Food Desert Relief Act of 2021. For more information on the board’s food security programs, visit www.njeda.gov/food-security-programs.

  • Jefferson Health gala raises $475K

    Courtesy of Jefferson Health
    Dr. Kelly Schiers received a Healthcare Hero Award at the 2025 New Jersey gala from Jefferson Health. She is shown with Jefferson officers Aaron Chang (left) and Dr. Baligh Yehia.

    More than $475,000 was raised at Jefferson Health’s recent New Jersey Gala at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, an event that drew some 400 guests.

    Winners of the 2025 Giving Tank – a Jefferson initiative – were announced at the gala and grants totaling $110,000, funded by the Jefferson Health Foundation-New Jersey, were awarded to support employees’ best ideas to elevate patient care or staff well-being:

    • The top $50,000 grant will fund sensory-friendly resources for emergency department patients who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
    • A $35,000 grant will supply hand-held ultrasound machines for each of Jefferson’s emergency departments in the state.
    • A $15,000 grant will be used for employee wellness initiatives.
    • A $10,000 grant will provide Compassion Carts of clothing, toiletries and food for discharged patients in need.

    Dr. Kelly Schiers, medical director of critical care services for Jefferson in New Jersey, was honored at the Gala as a Healthcare Hero for her patient care and for mentoring future clinicians.

  • Grants available to emergency responders

    New Jersey American Water has announced its 2025 grant program for volunteer fire departments and emergency responders within the company’s service areas.

    Based on applicant feedback, the company moved the grant application period back to better align with applicants’ budgeting and funding needs. The deadline is now April 14; grant recipients will be notified by the end of June.

    “New Jersey American Water is proud to acknowledge the extraordinary bravery and unwavering commitment of volunteer firefighters and first responders,” said Mike Malloy, the company’s senior operations manager and a member of its Fire Grant Committee.

    Since launching the program in 2011, New Jersey American Water has awarded 311 grants totaling more than $360,000, to 161 local volunteer fire departments and emergency response units. Grants may be used to cover the costs of personal protective equipment, communications gear, first-aid equipment, firefighting tools, vehicle maintenance and other materials.

    Reimbursement for specific training courses – including the cost of training manuals, student workbooks and instructors – is also available.

    To apply, organizations must complete the online application at www.newjerseyamwater.com, under News and Community Involvement. The maximum award to any organization is $2,500. Interested applicants can find more information and apply online at www.newjerseyamwater.com/community.

    New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, serving approximately 2.9 million customers. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com.