Tackling Hunger and Nutrition Insecurity in New Jersey: A Collaborative Effort

The New Jersey Devils organization, in partnership with the Prudential Center and the Devils Youth Foundation, has launched a comprehensive Food and Nutrition Security campaign to address the pressing issues of hunger and nutrition insecurity across the state. This initiative aims to raise awareness, boost community engagement, and provide vital resources to those in need through strategic collaborations with local nonprofits, food banks, and educational institutions.

Empowering Communities, Nourishing Futures

Amplifying Awareness and Engagement

The Food and Nutrition Security campaign will leverage the reach and resources of the New Jersey Devils organization to amplify the ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity in the state. Throughout the season, the initiative will highlight the work being done by the Devils organization, Foundation, and its partners to deliver nutritious meals, provide nutrition education, and enhance access to food security resources. This will be achieved through a robust marketing and outreach strategy, integrating in-game activations, social media campaigns, and fan engagement opportunities.

Driving Fundraising and Community Involvement

Fundraising efforts will be a key component of the campaign, building momentum towards the annual Giving Tuesday campaign. The initiative will culminate with the inaugural Devils Youth Foundation Night on Friday, December 6, 2024, which will feature fan-focused fundraising activities such as 50/50 raffles, jersey auctions, and merchandise sales featuring Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton designed t-shirts. All proceeds from these activities will directly benefit local organizations focused on combating food insecurity.

Expanding Existing Initiatives and Partnerships

The campaign builds upon the success of the existing Food Forward Jersey Program, which, in collaboration with hospitality partner Levy, prepares and distributes all cooked and unserved food from every Devils home game and other select Prudential Center events to local organizations focused on providing food to New Jersey residents. The program also includes regular employee and Youth Ambassadors volunteering at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and St. John's Soup Kitchen.

Enhancing Food Storage and Distribution Capabilities

The initiative will further expand its impact with additional support from Levy, who recently donated four freezers to the United Community Corporation's community refrigerator sites across Newark. These freezers will enable the storage and distribution of fresh meats, poultry, and frozen goods, furthering the Foundation's aspiration to support local families and ensure access to nutritious food options.

Measuring Impact and Driving Continuous Improvement

According to the 2023 Devils Youth Foundation Impact Report on food and nutrition, the organization's efforts have already made a significant impact, with over 1.5 million meals served through local partners, 100,000 pounds of food distributed by the United Community Corporation Fulton Street Refrigerator, and over 7,500 children fed through the Community FoodBank of New Jersey's Child Feeding programs. The new campaign aims to build upon these accomplishments, continuously evaluating and refining its strategies to maximize the reach and effectiveness of its initiatives.