This South Jersey ShopRite is stepping up to help fight New Jersey hunger crisis

One of the unforeseen ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns is the unintended economic consequences. The United States has still not fully rebounded to the pre-2020 levels of industry, and one specific area has become a glaring issue over the last few years.

While Food Insecurity has become a Political Weapon in recent years, the reality is that the issue is a legitimate concern. The rise of food prices, and the elevated cost of living have created the highest levels of food insecurity in 10 years.

When COVID-19 pandemic programs removed the safety nets in 2022, that is when there started to be a massive surge in the number of Americans who fall under the category of "Acute Hunger Levels", reaching 318 Million US Citizens. Over 18 million US Households have faced food insecurity at least once in recent years.

New Jersey is not Immune to these Food Insecurity Issues

The issues with Underemployment, limited income, and food insecurity are problems that have also impacted The Garden State. One of the states with the highest household expenses in the country, New Jersey is not immune to post-COVID Pandemic economic ramifications.

According to New Jersey State Health Assessment Data, five of the eight NJ Counties with the highest rates of Food Insecurity are located in South Jersey:

*Cumberland County: 14.8 percent
*Atlantic County: 13.3 percent
*Salem County: 13.2 percent
*Camden County: 12.7 percent
*Cape May County: 12.3 percent

This is a major catalyst for why ShopRite Partners In Caring have accelerated its efforts to Fight Hunger in New Jersey.  According to a press release from the ShopRite Partners In Caring initiative, money raised each year goes to support:

"Emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, childcare centers, battered women's shelters, senior citizen programs, drug rehab centers, programs for the mentally and physically disabled, after-school programs and other organizations that aid those in need. "

ShopRite has partnered with General Mills for the Caring Cheerios Contest that rewards the top 55 fundraising ShopRite stores by selecting specific employees to be featured on special edition Cheerios boxes, sold exclusively at their ShopRites.

On Friday, April 10th, there will be a ceremony scheduled for 1pm at the Shoprite in Marmora to reveal the special edition Cheerios boxes, and officially present a donation to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

The press release sent to Townsquare Media South Jersey says that the ShopRite of Marmora employees to be honored with being featured on the special edition Cheerios boxes are Camille DiGiuseppe, and Kylie DeCree.

Located on Roosevelt Boulevard adjacent to Route 9, the ShopRite in Marmora raised $11,500 for the ShopRite Partners In Caring Cheerios Contest. Joining employees from ShopRite in Marmora this Friday will be representatives of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey along with members of the Sumas Family, the Owners/Operators of ShopRite in Marmora.