HILLSIDE, N.J. – Acting Governor Richard J. Codey and New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Acting Commissioner Charles A. Richman today announced a partnership among the state, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and JP Morgan Chase to provide a total of $300,000 in funding to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey – with commitments of $125,000 each from DCA and CRDA, and $50,000 from JP Morgan Chase.

“Tomorrow, we will give thanks, but today we give back,” said Acting Governor Richard J. Codey. “We must work together to make sure no family goes without food this Thanksgiving. Giving is a long-standing tradition in New Jersey that's worth keeping.”

With the funding, the Community FoodBank will purchase a 40,000 cubic foot commercial freezer, allowing it to accept larger frozen food donations.

“Today’s partnership with CRDA and JP Morgan Chase shows that together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors and fellow New Jerseyans,” Commissioner Richman said. “We are pleased to play a role in supporting the FoodBank’s efforts to help families and individuals in need.”

“We can only win the fight against hunger if we all work together – government, businesses, nonprofits and residents.” said CRDA Executive Director Tom Carver. “CRDA, DCA and JP Morgan Chase and the Community FoodBank are all committed to helping families across the State and I am proud to be a part of this wonderful event.”

“At this time of year, when so many of us are able to enjoy the warmth of our families, JPMorgan Chase is pleased to contribute to a cause that provides direct relief to those who might face the weeks ahead without food,” said Kimberly Davis, President, JPMorgan Chase Foundation. “Along with the immediate needs that this contribution provides over the next several months, the Community Food Bank offers sustaining benefits through its training and workforce development programs that make it possible for recipients to obtain gainful employment.”

At over 280,000 square feet, the FoodBank’s Hillside warehouse is the largest food bank facility in the country, and is New Jersey’s largest provider of donated groceries to charities. The FoodBank ships over 24 million pounds of food annually to 1,500 food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and other programs in 18 New Jersey counties.

“Currently some of the best food that we receive, both in government commodities and private donations, is frozen food,” said Kathleen DiChiara, Executive Director of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “We have had to make the choice of putting the product in expensive outside storage or turning down donations. We have reached our limit in being able to absorb the outside storage costs. The additional freezer capacity will change that.”

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey is dedicated to eliminating hunger in New Jersey. The FoodBank mobilizes over 60,000 volunteer hours per year. Through that volunteer dedication, the FoodBank is able to distribute $8 to $11 of food for every $1 of its annual budget. To find out how to contribute food, funds or become a volunteer, please visit http://www.njfoodbank.org/ or call (908) 355-3663.

“It’s wonderful that we are able to pull different departments together to provide additional freezer capacity to the Hillside FoodBank,” said James Davy, Commissioner of the Department of Human Services. “With this, more people in need can benefit from the agency’s important services.”

“We are so grateful for this wonderful partnership of government, private, and nonprofit,” DiChiara concluded. “This grant will absolutely mean a greater quantity and quality of food will be distributed to charities assisting those in need.”