COVID-19 continues to impact every aspect of our lives, and food insecurity is no different for many of our patients and communities.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. According to Feeding America, 1 in 9 people struggle with hunger in the United States and more than 54 million people may experience food insecurity in 2020 due to the impact of the coronavirus.
Our region is no different. Food banks in the South Jersey region reported working at 200% of their normal operations at the onset of the pandemic. In Camden County, more than 60,000 people reported food insecurities according to the Food Bank of South Jersey. More and more people are being served by food banks as a result of the devastating impact and disruption caused by COVID-19.
Cooper is stepping up to the food insecurity challenge by partnering with TOUCH New Jersey Food Alliance to provide fruits, vegetables, and other food staples to our vulnerable patient populations. A weekly food distribution program began on October 5, 2020, and will continue on Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon. It is available to any Cooper patient.
In August, Cooper partnered with the Food Bank of South Jersey Summer Meals Program (now referred to as the Mobile Café) by offering boxes of food and gallons of milk to pediatric patients and their families every Wednesday. Both programs are located outside of Sheridan Pavilion on the corner of Haddon and Benson Streets.
For additional information and questions, please contact Max Kursh at kursh-maxwell@cooperhealth.edu.