LINWOOD — The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) hosted its eighth annual Women Fighting Hunger Luncheon on Oct. 25 at Linwood Country Club and the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park to support its efforts to distribute healthy foods.
For the second time, the event was held in two locations simultaneously — one in southern New Jersey and one in northern New Jersey — to unite supporters from across the state. About 550 people attended the two luncheons, which raised more than $350,000 through sponsors and donations from event chairs and attendees.
The Linwood event was sponsored by ACME Nourishing Neighbors, Spencer’s & Spirit Halloween, and Atlantic City Electric.
CFBNJ works to address hunger as a health issue, providing nearly 37 million pounds of fresh produce annually so that neighbors in need can live healthy, active and productive lives.
The organization distributes more than 90 million meals annually to support community members’ nutritional needs related to health concerns, cultural considerations and food preferences.
Luncheon attendees supported a healthy lifestyle and spice food drive to help CFBNJ provide healthy, flavorful food. They brought low-sodium canned vegetables, canned chicken, low-sodium canned soups, bottled spices and dried herbs to the event for distribution to partner pantries. The drive collected nearly 2,400 pounds of these sought-after items.
The luncheon began at 11 a.m. with a volunteer hour at both locations, during which attendees packed close to 1,100 healthy lifestyle meal kits that included canned chicken, low-sodium chicken broth, low-sodium canned vegetables, fruit in natural juice, split peas, rice, garlic powder, Italian herbs and a recipe card.
The event’s lunch and formal program featured an interview with celebrated chef and food justice advocate Sophia Roe, a Brooklyn-based James Beard Award-winning chef, writer, founder of Apartment Miso and Emmy Award-nominated TV host known for her distinct lens on honesty, diversity and inclusivity.
The interview was live in Florham Park and simulcast in Linwood.
“Food insecurity is not a new issue. It’s a systemic problem that’s going to require incredible shifts in legislation, mindset, healthcare, supply chain distribution, education, etc.,” Roe said. “We are only well when our neighbors and community are also well. Every moment is an opportunity for action and solution integration.”
The second part of the Linwood event included a live conversation among certified nutritionist and fitness professional Nancy Adler, Executive Director for the AtlantiCare Foundation Samantha Kiley and Director of Community Nutrition at CFBNJ Michelle Gross.
They spoke about health and wellness and how the conditions in which people work, live and grow affect their well-being.
“Access to food, health care, education and other critical necessities shapes health and well-being. That’s why CFBNJ works to create and follow strict guidelines about the nutritional quality of foods we source and distribute to our neighbors,” said Elizabeth McCarthy, Presidentand CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “This year, our luncheon brought anti-hunger advocates from across the state together to support this effort. We’re grateful to the sponsors, attendees and event chairs who made it possible.”