New Jersey Credit Unions Unite to Combat Hunger Crisis

In a remarkable display of community solidarity, three leading New Jersey credit unions have joined forces to launch the New Jersey Credit Unions Food Cooperative, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the growing hunger crisis plaguing the state. This collaborative effort, spearheaded by First Harvest Credit Union, Affinity Federal Credit Union, and EdiFi Credit Union, has engaged a total of 27 credit unions across New Jersey to serve as collection points, ensuring a widespread geographic reach and supporting dozens of food pantries and organizations throughout the region.

Uniting to Alleviate Hunger and Strengthen Communities

Tackling the Hunger Crisis Head-On

The decision to launch the New Jersey Credit Unions Food Cooperative comes at a critical juncture, as the state's food insecurity rate has risen from 8.7% in 2018 to a staggering 10.7% in 2022. This alarming trend has disproportionately impacted the most vulnerable members of society, with children under the age of 18 facing a food insecurity rate of 13.2%. Furthermore, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority has identified the top 50 food desert communities in the state, which collectively have a population of 1.5 million residents, highlighting the urgent need for action.

Leveraging the Power of Credit Union Cooperation

The participating credit unions, which include Affinity Federal Credit Union, EdiFi Credit Union, and First Harvest Credit Union as co-sponsors, have recognized the inherent strength in their collective efforts. As Mike Dinneen, the President and CEO of First Harvest Credit Union, eloquently stated, "As credit unions, we are always stronger when we partner together. New Jersey has over 130 credit unions, serving a wide variety of rural, urban and suburban communities. One thing that is consistent is the food and affordability crisis that is impacting all of our residents."

Empowering Communities through Grassroots Initiatives

The New Jersey Credit Unions Food Cooperative exemplifies the credit union movement's core mission of "people helping people." By leveraging their extensive network of branches and community connections, the participating credit unions are able to serve as collection points for non-perishable food items, ensuring that these vital resources reach the individuals and families who need them most. As Affinity Federal Credit Union President and CEO Kevin Brauer noted, "New Jersey credit unions as member-owned cooperatives have always been about people helping people, and this food drive is just one way we live out that mission."

Fostering Collaboration and Cooperative Spirit

The collaborative nature of this initiative is a testament to the credit union movement's cooperative spirit. EdiFi Credit Union President and CEO Jill Peterson echoed this sentiment, stating, "We're seeing the stress that the increased cost of food and necessities is having on our local communities. This effort to help those in need is perfectly consistent with the mission of the credit union movement to lift up individuals and families. It's great to see so many of our credit union colleagues collaborating together towards this initiative."

Driving Impact through Collective Action

The New Jersey Credit Unions Food Cooperative represents a powerful example of how credit unions can leverage their collective resources and expertise to make a tangible difference in their communities. By engaging 27 credit unions across the state, the initiative ensures a broad geographic reach, allowing for the collection and distribution of essential food items to dozens of food pantries and organizations throughout New Jersey. This coordinated effort promises to have a significant impact in alleviating the hunger crisis and providing much-needed support to those in need.