Of everything the pandemic has impacted over the last two years, food insecurity is one of the most urgent crises, both locally and nationally. In response, Norwescap’s Food Bank is working to grow and expand its capacity to shrink the food insecurity landscape. While food insecurity has always been an issue in New Jersey, the number of people struggling to put food on the table every day dramatically increased starting in the early days of the COVID pandemic. Thousands of people who never needed help before suddenly found themselves out of work due to COVID, and for the first time sought help from the Food Bank and its network of partners. Thousands of others, such as single parents, senior citizens, college students – even military veterans – once able to do without help, were forced by economic realities to rely on the Food Bank. 

As the official Feeding America partner for Hunterdon, Warren and Sussex counties, Norwescap’s Food Bank regularly distributes 2 million pounds of food (the equivalent of 1.7 million meals) each year to over 110 food pantries, soup kitchens and other nonprofit partners. By definition, food banks, including Norwescap’s, secure and distribute food to a network of nonprofit partners. Those partners, including food pantries, then distribute the food to the public.

As the pandemic gained ground in northwest New Jersey, “the need for food exploded,” said Mark Valli, Norwescap CEO. Social distancing protocols forced Norwescap’s Food Bank to reinvent how it operated. Many of Norwescap’s nonprofit pantry partners, often run by retired, elderly or physically vulnerable volunteers, shut down or dramatically scaled back hours of service. As food pantries shut down, demand for food in the region rose from 2 million pounds annually to 2.5 million pounds. Why? A vast number of people had lost income and could no longer afford to feed their families. Many were also fearful of going to the supermarket, especially among at-risk populations. 

During the first six or seven months of the pandemic, Norwescap’s Food Bank delivered more food than ever – supporting not only their usual network of partners, but other nonprofits that had been transformed into food delivery services. Many of Norwescap’s other programs, which typically provide case management, preschool, financial workshops, and career support, added food distribution to their list of services. The Food Bank staff worked every day to meet this increased demand.

The community rose to the occasion to guarantee that every family and individual who needed food could get it. Volunteers packed trucks with food, delivered food to the elderly and helped run pop-up produce markets. Norwescap was forced to secure additional storage space to accommodate the influx of food made possible by the generous support of private, state and federal entities. Among the permanent changes brought about by the pandemic, Norwescap now takes pre-orders, streamlining the pantry partners’ pick-up process. Their inventory system is now being upgraded to a more interactive system that will help make operations more efficient.

With funding from a state grant, they were able to purchase a new delivery van and upgraded other warehouse equipment, allowing for more efficient distribution of food, especially perishable items such as fresh fruits, vegetables and meat. Thanks to private funds raised by the NJ Pandemic Relief Fund, Norwescap’s Food Bank also provided funding to its partners for much needed shelving, refrigerators, food and non-items, freezers, and other pantry improvements.

Even as winter wanes, many will continue to struggle to put food on their tables. These upgrades serve to help Norwescap and their nonprofit pantry partners expand their capacity to bring more food to more people. Mark Valli noted, “Food insecurity was shockingly strong before the pandemic. Indications are that the current level of food insecurity is likely to continue into the foreseeable future.” 

If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, or if you are interested in supporting or volunteering at the Food Bank, visit www.norwescap.org or call 908-454-4322. 

Originally established in 1965, Norwescap has evolved into a large-scale, regional nonprofit organization providing services to over 30,000 individuals annually in Morris, Hunterdon, Warren, Somerset and Sussex counties. The organization offers a comprehensive array of services that support and empower people with low to moderate income, helping them move away from the crisis of poverty and towards a future where they can thrive. Norwescap’s 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, visit www.norwescap.org.