Support for Healthy Kitchen's expanded emergency nutrition services, 2012-2013

Although the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation became a national philanthropy in 1972 and has operated on a national scale since then, it also has continued funding a limited number of local institutions and projects in the New Brunswick area and throughout New Jersey. It does so in part to honor the legacy of its founder, and in part to recognize the special responsibilities to the communities and the state in which it is located.This grant support will help to continue to meet the increased demand to sustain food security and healthier eating for low-income households seeking emergency food assistance in the New Brunswick, N.J., area. Households that are "food insecure" are regularly forced to reduce the quality and variety of their meals due to scarcity. They may need to use emergency food sources or skip meals. And much of the food assistance in the emergency-food network (e.g., canned and highly processed foods) is inadequate nutritionally and contributes to the negative health outcomes that affect low-income people. As more people are suffering from obesity and other nutrition-related concerns, emergency-feeding initiatives are needed to support healthier eating. This grant will help alleviate hunger by expanding access to fresh, locally grown produce for low-income people; increasing awareness that fresh, whole foods are key to health and well being; and supporting the development of a stronger and more sustainable local food system. Health care providers will also increase their services on-site, including health screenings, and information and education about nutrition and health to promote healthier lifestyles.

Grant Details

Amount Awarded $68,890.00

Awarded on: 5/29/2012

Time frame: 6/15/2012 - 6/14/2013

Grant Number: 70128