In a city where access to fresh, healthy food has long been a challenge, the Camden Food Fund is empowering local entrepreneurs to transform their businesses and communities. Since its inception in 2022, this initiative has provided crucial financial support to several food ventures, including Samyria Parker’s Breakfast Palace, which opened its doors last January on East Camden's bustling intersection of 34th and Federal Streets. The fund, established by the Community Foundation of South Jersey, aims to address both food insecurity and economic development through low-interest microloans. This innovative approach not only bolsters local economies but also enriches the cultural landscape, offering residents greater access to diverse culinary experiences.

The Camden Food Fund was born out of a community-driven process that sought to understand and address the unique needs of the local food system. In November of last year, four food entrepreneurs were approved for loans ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 during the pilot phase. One of these recipients, Samyria Parker, plans to use her loan to renovate the patio at Breakfast Palace, creating an inviting space for outdoor dining. For Parker, this support comes at a critical time, as she navigates the challenges of running a restaurant while overcoming a personal history that includes past incarceration. Her journey began with a culinary class taken while serving time, igniting a passion for cooking that now defines her life’s work.

Beyond Parker, other local food veterans like Izelle Tomlinson of Exquisite Catering LLC and Michel ‘Shelly’ Owen of ShelPots have also benefited from the fund. Tomlinson, a single father of four, used his loan to secure a location, hire staff, and purchase equipment. Meanwhile, Owen, who learned to cook from her father, sees the fund as a catalyst for bringing together Camden’s food community. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, noting that it allows them to “feed the community” more effectively. Nicole Campbell, owner of El Burger Bar, similarly credits the fund with enabling her to invest in energy-efficient equipment and find a larger space for her business, which focuses on healthier burger options with a creative twist.

The Camden Food Fund reflects a broader effort to combat food deserts and promote economic growth in underserved areas. Camden, designated as one of New Jersey’s top food deserts in 2022, has seen significant investment from various sources, including a $125,000 grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. This funding supports preliminary plans for a multipurpose food market and indoor farm facility. Additionally, the Campbell’s Foundation has committed $1 million over multiple years to bolster the fund, recognizing its potential to close health and wealth gaps by supporting local food enterprises. Through these initiatives, Camden is fostering a vibrant food scene that not only nourishes its residents but also strengthens its economy.

As the Camden Food Fund prepares to expand its reach with a second round of loans, the impact of this community-led effort is already evident. By providing much-needed capital and resources, the fund is helping entrepreneurs like Parker, Tomlinson, Owen, and Campbell thrive. These individuals are not only building successful businesses but also contributing to a richer, more diverse culinary landscape in Camden. Their stories underscore the power of community support and the transformative potential of accessible funding in revitalizing local economies and addressing food insecurity.