Giving Season

New Jersey water company provides one of many examples of food donations

New Jersey American Water recently donated $25,000 to ten food banks across the state and held food drives at each of its operating centers, which garnered over 1,000 pounds of food in donations from employees and company partners. The company announced its pledge to donate and kicked off the food drive in late October to provide emergency relief to food banks facing increases in demand due to the federal shutdown.

“Access to basic needs like clean water and nutritious food is essential for healthy communities,” said Kimberly Schalek Downes, vice president of Business Development, Government & External Affairs at New Jersey American Water. “By partnering with food banks across the state, we’re proud to help provide relief during this challenging time and support our neighbors who need it most.”

New Jersey American Water employees from its Salem Operating Center, package food and essential item donations for St. John's Pentecostal Church food bank in Salem. Pictured from left: Emily Zidanic, Sr. Supervisor of Operations, Harron Jefferies, Sewer Operator Mechanic, Cameron Cagle, Sewer Operator Mechanic, Ivan Porter, Sewer Operator Mechanic, Pam Rushing, Operations Specialist, Michael Gonserkevis Jr. Sr. Superintendent of Operations, and Curt Hunter, Sewer Operator Mechanic.--NJAW photo

According to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and Feeding America’s latest analysis, nearly 1.1 million New Jerseyans, including more than 270,000 children, are food insecure, a 65% increase since 2020. To help combat this, donations from New Jersey American Water and its employees directly benefit the following food banks:

• Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Hillside in Union & Essex Counties

• Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Egg Harbor Township in Atlantic, Cape May & Cumberland Counties

• The Food Bank of South Jersey, in Burlington, Camden & Salem, Gloucester Counties

• FulFill Food Bank, in Monmouth & Ocean Counties

• Food Bank Network of Somerset County, in Somerset County

• Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, in Mercer County

• Norwescap Food Bank, in Warren County

• REPLENISH, in Middlesex County

• St. John's Pentecostal Church food bank in Salem County

• United Methodist Church food bank in Warren County

"I’m humbled by the enthusiasm of our employees to give back,” said Schalek Downes. “Their dedication reflects the heart of our company and our commitment to the communities we serve.”

For more information about food insecurity and to locate a food bank near you, visit www.feedingamerica.org.