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The basics:

• Food Bank of South Jersey, DoorDash surpass 5,000 deliveries milestone
• Partnership uses Project Dash to deliver groceries to food-insecure residents
• Program supports seniors, medically tailored nutrition initiatives
• FBSJ distributes nearly 20.7M meals annually across 4 South Jersey counties

The Food Bank of South Jersey and DoorDash are doing their part to fight hunger in the region.

The nonprofit kicked off a collaboration with the on-demand delivery platform’s Project Dash in 2022. Since then, the Food Bank has worked to facilitate delivery of groceries and other essentials to food insecure residents.

During an April 22 ceremonial event, the partners came together to celebrate a milestone of 5,000 deliveries fulfilled.

DoorDash Head of New Jersey Public Policy Alex Spyropoulos commented, “Our partnership with the Food Bank of South Jersey is a powerful example of how technology and community can come together to fight hunger.”

“Surpassing 5,000 local deliveries underscores our shared commitment to ensuring that every neighbor has access to the food they need with the dignity and convenience of home delivery,” he said. “We are honored to support the Food Bank of South Jersey in its important mission.”

Pennsauken-based FBSJ distributes nearly 20.7 million meals annually. The organization serves Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties through its more than 300 community partners.

Since 2018, Project Dash has partnered with hundreds of food banks and food pantries across the country to deliver more than 135 million meals to people experiencing food insecurity.

Within New Jersey, the initiative also partners with Community FoodBank of New Jersey, the Coalition for Food Health Equity and Meals on Wheels of Mercer County, according to a DoorDash spokesperson.

‘A partner who shows up for South Jersey’

According to FBSJ, the partnership with Project Dash is partially supported by the New Jersey Office of Faith Based Initiatives. The nonprofit also secured a $7,500 impact grant from Project Dash to increase nutritious food access for families and individuals.

Additionally, FBSJ has used Project Dash to support medically tailored nutrition initiatives by delivering healthy, prescribed food directly to participants. The collaboration also helps provide essential nutrition to local seniors through FBSJ’s senior nutrition resource supplement program.

Food Bank of South Jersey President and CEO Jane Asselta remarked, “Food access looks different for everyone. For some, getting nutritious food delivered to their door isn’t a convenience, it’s how they stay nourished and connected to the support they need.”

“DoorDash’s Project Dash has made that possible for neighbors across our region and we’re grateful for a partner who shows up for South Jersey the way they do,” she said.

Food insecurity in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties affects roughly 1 in 9 residents. That figure is on par with the statewide rate.

However, certain areas – particularly Camden and Salem counties – tends to have higher child food insecurity and more severe pockets of need, a Feeding America report found.