PHILLIPSBURG, NJ, September 27, 2023 – Today, USDA Rural Development State Director Jane Asselta joined key stakeholders and personnel to celebrate the opening of the Northwest New Jersey Community Action Inc. (NORWESCAP) Food Bank Annex. The Annex received a grant from USDA in the amount of $1,050,000 for the purchase of a warehouse property and significant renovations that provide the nonprofit organization the ability establish a permanent distribution hub to serve more than 27,000 residents of Northwest New Jersey.
“The Rural Development team is proud to invest in NORWESCAP to assist with creating a beautiful, yet highly functional, distribution space to more efficiently serve their food service partners like the Flemington Area Food Pantry,” said Asselta. “With this financial support we’re able to tangibly show our commitment to serving rural New Jersey, especially to those who face food insecurity.”
The project increases the shelf-stable storage capacity by more than 50 percent and roughly doubles the frozen and cold storage space, providing for more storage of essential proteins. The grant also aids with increased volume of deliverable food to the annex’s network of pantry partners, shelters, and other partner sites, and allows for more diversification of nutritional options for recipients. Lastly, the installation of a loading dock allows for acceptance of larger food deliveries and supports the projected increase from 1.6 to 2.2 million meals to be delivered annually.
This investment is just one example of how the agency’s programs help support people in rural communities. This grant was authorized under the Community Facilities Grant and Loan Program that provides rural communities and nonprofits financial resources to ensure rural areas enjoy quality of life and essential community services.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, high-poverty areas.
For more information on our programs, visit the USDA Rural Development New Jersey website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/nj