Food insecurity has risen dramatically in Bergen County, New Jersey, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic spreading in a second wave. In response, The Community Chest in eastern Bergen County is collaborating with Englewood nonprofits and asking the community to support the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Winter Dinner Project to help residents experiencing food insecurity. The project is a partnership with The Community Chest, Family Promise of Bergen County, Englewood Health, TD Bank Foundation, Age-Friendly Englewood, Tibbs House, Bergen Family Center, Center for Food Action, Women’s Rights Information Center, Metro Community Center and Office of Concern Food Pantry.
Local nonprofit and agencies in Englewood are participating in the project. These nonprofits have come together to select the neediest people they service to receive the meals: Bergen Family Center, Women’s Rights Information Center, West Side Infant and Teen Program, Metro Community Center, Tibbs House, and In The Meantime.
Area restaurants in the community also benefit. With the funds raised, restaurants are paid to prepare the dinners for the community’s neediest neighbors. To date, these Englewood based restaurants are participating in the project, with more expected to sign on: Bartolomeo’s, TJ’s Southern Gourmet and MaDear’s Southern Cuisine.
Family Promise of Bergen County, a local nonprofit agency, works with the restaurants to ensure the meals are distributed. Certificates are issued to the families in need to receive a dinner. The nonprofits will distribute 300 meals weekly December through March 2021.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and expands, people’s needs have increased. Over the next four months, we are focused on providing for those most in need. Our neighbors should not have to choose between purchasing food and paying the rent. Their children should not go hungry, as they complete their school work,” explained Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer, Executive Director, The Community Chest. “This joint effort is a win, win for individuals and families in need, for local restaurants facing the loss of business, and from the good karma you get for providing a healthy meal for your neighbors experiencing hardship during the coming winter months.”
Neighbors in the area can help today by making a donation to the project. During the holidays or for other occasions, a donation to this project makes a good present. A donor can make a contribution in someone’s name, and The Community Chest will send a card advising them of the gift made in their honor. These are some suggested giving options: $10 provides one meal, $50 feeds a family of five, and $100 purchases a hot dinner for ten neighbors.
Donations can be made electronically on The Community Chest’s website. Donors may also send a check to The Community Chest, 122 South Van Brunt Street, Englewood, New Jersey, 07631. Donations are tax-deductible, as permitted by law. For additional information about this project, contact Dr. Shelly Wimpfheimer at 201-568-7474.
For further information about The Community Chest, visit www.thecommunitychestebc.org/ or contact 201-568-7474. Stay updated about the organization’s activities on Facebook and Twitter.
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