New Jersey House Members Applaud Federal Bipartisan Investment to Local Food Bank Serving Sussex, Warren Counties During COVID-19 Pandemic

U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), and Tom Malinowski (NJ-7) applauded federal bipartisan CARES Act investment being directed by the State of New Jersey to Norwescap, a non-profit organization serving low-income individuals and families in Northwest New Jersey, specifically in Sussex and Warren Counties.

“Millions of dollars in direct relief are heading to each and every county in the Fifth District, and we’re continuing to see how federal investment from the bipartisan CARES Act is helping communities all throughout Warren and Sussex Counties — especially with this investment to Norwescap,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “It is vital that we ensure local communities and the organizations that serve them have the resources they need to combat the impacts of this crisis. With this federal investment heading to Norwescap’s Food Bank, it will help provide more food and support for hungry families, children, and individuals in Warren and Sussex Counties.”

“Our local food pantries and meal providers are working incredibly hard to pivot their services during the pandemic and meet the increased demand for food assistance,” said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11). “This federal investment in Norwescap through the CARES Act will help support our neighbors in Sussex County during this difficult time.” 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of food insecure families in New jersey. No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” said Congressman Tom Malinowski (NJ-7). “Norwescap is a lifeline for our most vulnerable community members, and this funding from the CARES Act will help them serve even more families in Hunterdon and Warren Counties throughout this crisis.”

“This assistance is a welcome relief during this public health crisis,” said Mark Valli, CEO of Norwescap. “During this unprecedented time, we have seen the demand for food rise since March and have been working around the clock to distribute more than 400,000 pounds of food to individuals and families across our communities. With this new Federal funding, we will be able to continue the work of providing to those that are need and ensuring that no one goes hungry.”

This investment is being directed by the State of New Jersey from the Coronavirus Relief Fund, established under the federal bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to support New Jersey food banks — many of which have been providing families with food assistance at unprecedented rates during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the State, in total, $20 million in federal investment will be allocated to food banks throughout New Jersey, with $10 million distributed before August 2020 and an additional $10 million available before December 2020.   

Through June, the Norwescap Foodbank has distributed more than 400,000 pounds of food more than budgeted, representing a 25% increase in demand. This puts Norwescap on pace to distribute 2.5 million pounds of food this fiscal year.
 
Norwescap’s Pathways 2 Prosperity Program, serving Sussex County, has been providing weekly food distributions to over 450 seniors, adults and children during the pandemic.

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