The YMCA of Montclair is helping to feed people who are facing financial hardships during the COVID-19 health crisis.
The Y has partnered with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and the Seashore Fruit and Produce Co. to distribute boxes of fresh produce and shelf-stable pantry food to families and seniors in the greater Montclair area.
The Y received its first delivery of 300 emergency food boxes on Thursday, May 28, and distributed those boxes on Friday, May 29 to approximately 60 families who are experiencing food insecurity. The distribution took place at the Y’s Park Street Branch.
According to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, in a recent Monmouth University poll, the coronavirus outbreak has made a major impact on the lives of 7 in 10 New Jerseyans (71%).
“The YMCA of Montclair and our partners, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and Seashore Fruit and Produce Co., Inc., seek to address the urgent needs in our community that has been magnified by the pandemic. Food insecurity is an immediate danger to the health of individuals and families,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “We all must do our part to help others.”
The YMCA of Montclair plans to continue working with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and the Seashore Fruit and Produce Co., Inc. in the coming weeks to distribute additional food boxes to residents of the greater Montclair community. Future distribution dates will be announced.
“The economic impact of the pandemic has struck every community across the state, and the need for food assistance has never been greater,” said Carlos Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “We are grateful for the YMCA of Montclair and all of our partners, who make our work possible and whose efforts in the fight against hunger are more critical during this crisis than ever before.”
