4,000 meals delivered to Camden County seniors in single day

(Gloucester Township, NJ) – The Camden County Division of Senior and Disabled Services delivered more than 4,000 meals to seniors in need on March 30, the largest single day total since the expanded meal delivery program began in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on March 18.

In a single day, more than 814 Camden County seniors received a total of 4,158 meals delivered directly to their homes. Approximately 350 of these residents had not been participants in the county’s senior meal program prior to the coronavirus outbreak.

“This is an unprecedented operation to make sure that fear, income, access, and mobility do not lead to hunger for our most vulnerable population,” said Freeholder Jonathan Young. “Our team has delivered more than one thousand meals every day for the past week, and we expect to continue doing so until every senior at risk of going hungry has a week’s worth of meals that they can turn to.”

First-time clients now receive seven shelf-stable meals in addition to their first delivery. Most clients continue to receive seven meals once per week, although some clients receive individual meals each day.

“I want to again highlight the dedicated public servants at the Division of Senior Services, Public Works, Parks, Building and Ops, and other county employees who are making these deliveries and coordinating the logistics of such a herculean effort,” Young continued. “Like critical workers across the county, many of these men and women continue to leave their home each day in the service of others. It is thanks to them and their efforts that the people of Camden County have a safety net they can rely on, and we are incredibly thankful for their hard work and commitment to service.”

If you or a senior you know needs meal assistance, please call (856) 374-MEAL or (856) 858-3220 to make arrangements.