Food security shouldn’t be a choice between paying rent or putting food on the table. On Sept. 27, Norwescap, a non-profit based in Phillipsburg, hosted an Open House and Ribbon Cutting to unveil their newly renovated Food Bank Annex at 201 Broad Street, Phillipsburg. The renovation is expected to lead to a 40% increase in their food distribution, allowing them to distribute the equivalent of over 2.2 million meals each year to community partners.

One facet of their broad array of social services, Norwescap’s Food Bank is a vital community resource working to eliminate food insecurity, while providing resources to those in need.

The renovation of the Food Bank Annex was made possible through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, reflecting the state’s commitment to food security and increased investments in essential programs such as SNAP benefits, School Breakfast/Lunch Programs and Food banks statewide. The grant allowed Norwescap to pay for the renovations debt-free and ensure that donations go directly to getting more food out to communities in need.

Among the critical improvements to the Food Bank Annex, doubled refrigerator and freezer storage capacity is top of the list. With increased storage options, Norwescap is now able to offer those in need a choice of healthier foods, having greater variety and nutritional value.

On hand to celebrate the Food Bank Annex expansion were several distinguished guests, including Senator Doug Steinhardt, Assemblyman John DiMaio, County Commissioner James Kern, County Prosecutor James Pfeiffer, Mayor Todd Tersigni, Phillipsburg Council members, Norwescap’s Board of Directors, and many of the Food Bank staff.

The brief program included remarks from several people who played a role in bringing the Annex to the next level.

Mark Valli, CEO, Norwescap, greeted everyone with a warm welcome and commented on the ever-increasing demand for food assistance.

Phillipsburg Mayor Todd Tersigni shared his support of Norwescap and the community’s involvement.

Jane Asselta, New Jersey State Director for Rural Development, USDA, discussed the infrastructure investments that made the renovation possible.

Lisa Weber, Senior Director of Food Security & Health Equity at Norwescap, stressed the need for food security in New Jersey and the role this renovation plays in increasing the volume and nutritional quality of food distributed by Norwescap. She said, “Our collective work is to move individuals from food insecure to food secure, from poverty and struggling to thriving.”

Following Weber were community partners Jeannine Gorman, Executive Director of Flemington Food Pantry, and Scott Savokinas, Director of The Lord’s Pantry in Hackettstown, who described their varied experiences in their neighborhood food pantries, and the impact of Norwescap in providing healthy choices to those they serve.

Field Representative Kristen Doran from US Congressman Tom Kean’s office, presented a Certificate of Commemoration on behalf of the office, and Valli closed with excerpts from a letter from Governor Phil Murphy.

A recognized leader and advocate in addressing hunger and nutrition in New Jersey, Craig J. Coughlin, Speaker of the Assembly, although scheduled to speak, was unable to attend.

At the conclusion of the speaking program, attention turned to the bright blue ribbon that spanned the massive entry to the Annex where dignitaries lined up while Valli cut the ribbon. There were cheers and applause as the ribbon fluttered to the ground, marking a major move to boost food security in the region.

The Norwescap Food Bank Annex renovation advances a timely response to the surging issue of food insecurity in New Jersey, where, according to Weber, “370,000 residents of Hunterdon, Sussex and Warren counties live in food insecure households. Our data shows the need up 21% this year compared to 2022.”

Originally established in 1965, Norwescap has evolved into a comprehensive nonprofit organization providing services to over 30,000 individuals in New Jersey annually. The organization offers a broad array of services that support and empower people with low to moderate income, helping them move away from the crisis of poverty, towards a future of opportunity where they can not only survive, but thrive. Norwescap programs address immediate needs and build strategies for long term success, focusing on education, employment, financial empowerment, health and nutrition, housing and community development, and volunteerism and civic engagement.

For more information about Norwescap and its initiatives, please visit norwescap.org.