Food Security

“Food is national security. Food is economy. It is employment, energy, history. Food is everything.”
José Andrés
Founder
World Central Kitchen

What is Food Security?

Food security is when everyone has physical and economic access at all times to safe, nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences. A stable supply of food is a major contributor to active, healthy lives. The flip side is food insecurity, when people don’t have enough to eat regularly and don’t know where their next meal will come from. It is a complex issue that can have multiple and often interconnected causes—and which Honorees are impacting every day through their efforts.

Food Insecurity in NJ

According to nj.gov, nearly 1 million people in New Jersey experience food insecurity with more than 260,000 of them children* Sadly, food insecurity affects NJ residents in all 21 counties.

*https://www.nj.gov/foodsecurity/food-security/about

Honorees Making an Impact

Many Russ Berrie Making a Difference Honorees are working to improve food security—and reduce food insecurity—throughout New Jersey. Read about how their creative and diverse approaches are generating positive impact in NJ communities.
Rescuing and redistributing excess food that would otherwise be discarded.
Growing and distributing fresh food to individuals and organizations.
Getting food and personal products directly to those who need it.
Establishing food sources in communities that lack adequate supermarkets.