Something significant is happening across South Jersey this summer, and it’s affecting far more families than many people realize. As the cost of living continues to rise, households are being pushed to the brink. Groceries cost more. Rent costs more. Utilities cost more. And at the same time, thousands are losing access to critical food assistance.
The Food Bank of South Jersey reports that since last summer, more than 38,000 people in our state have fallen off SNAP due to eligibility changes. For many families, that means impossible choices about which essentials to forgo. Federal support through programs like TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) continues to decline, reducing a key source of food that keeps pantry shelves stocked. The reality is stark: For every meal provided by a food bank, SNAP provides nine. Food banks cannot replace SNAP, but when families lose assistance, they turn to pantries and community organizations like JFCS.
Summer’s Hidden Crisis
This need becomes even more urgent when school ends. The final bell in June marks celebration for some– but for many families, it signals the beginning of a hidden crisis: The loss of reliable school breakfasts and lunches their children depend on throughout the year.
Without those meals, families already stretched thin must find a way to fill the gap. Not every family qualifies for summer benefits, and transportation barriers can make reaching food distribution sites difficult. The result is a quiet but profound impact across our community–children struggling to focus, parents skipping meals to feed their kids, seniors forced to choose between groceries and medication.
At JFCS, we witness these realities every day. From January through May of this year, our Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantry admitted 203 new families, with well over 100 grocery distributions each week. Our volunteers deliver food to suburban homes, apartments, motels, and cars where families are living. We anticipate this need will continue rising throughout summer.
Beyond the Empty Stomach
Food insecurity is more than an empty stomach–it’s a public health issue affecting physical health, mental well-being, and the ability to thrive. Children experiencing food insecurity are more likely to struggle academically and face long-term health consequences. Hunger doesn’t exist in isolation; it’s deeply connected to housing stability, employment, transportation, and access to healthcare.
Food is foundational. Without reliable access to healthy meals, every other aspect of life becomes harder.
The Working Families on the Edge
Food insecurity doesn’t always look the way people expect. Many individuals JFCS serves are working families–referred to as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). They earn too much to qualify for many assistance programs, yet not enough to keep up with rising costs. A single unexpected expense can trigger a financial spiral.
Across JFCS’ tri-county footprint, 40% of Camden County households, 34% in Burlington County, and 38% in Gloucester County fall below the ALICE threshold, underscoring how many families are living on the edge.
At JFCS, we believe how we offer help matters as much as the food itself. Our pantry operates with dignity at its center: No long lines, no public distributions. Each new client receives a personalized intake so we can meet their dietary needs, health concerns, and cultural or religious preferences. As the only kosher food pantry in South Jersey, we’re particularly committed to ensuring that Jewish families–including those observing dietary laws, Holocaust Survivors, and others in our community–are never overlooked. We proudly serve people of all backgrounds with respect.
We also recognize that hunger is often just one piece of a larger challenge. Pantry clients can access case management, mental health counseling, employment support, and financial guidance. One client recently shared that our staff “listened without judgment and treated me with such compassion. It meant more than words can say.”
A Community Response
Addressing hunger takes a village–and community support is especially critical during summer, when donations often slow while need increases. There are meaningful ways to help: Donating food and personal care items, organizing a food drive, making a financial contribution, or volunteering to deliver groceries.
Our newest initiative is the Amazon Ambassador Program, where supporters make recurring donations through our food pantry’s Amazon Wish List. This consistent support creates a sustainable circle of care, ensuring families have reliable access to essentials. To learn more, visit jfcssnj.org/amazon-ambassador
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. JFCS provides confidential food support across South Jersey. No one should face hunger alone or feel ashamed asking for help.
Hunger may not always be visible, but its impact touches every corner of our community. This summer, as need continues to grow, we invite our neighbors to be part of the solution. With compassion, generosity, and shared responsibility, we can help ensure every family has the opportunity to thrive.
For assistance or to learn how you can help, reach out to JFCS at (856) 424-1333 or faphelp@jfedsnj.org.
