Camden County: 209,000 meals delivered to seniors during COVID-19

(Gloucester Township, NJ) – Since the Camden County Division of Senior and Disabled Services expanded its meal delivery program in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on March 18, more than 209,000 meals have been delivered to Camden County seniors.

In total, more than 3,500 individual seniors have received nutritious meals as they navigate the unprecedented crisis represented by coronavirus. From June 25 to July 1, the Division delivered nearly 18,000 meals countywide. Over this same span, the Division delivered an average of 3,589 meals per day.

“This is a major milestone for the Department of Health, the Division of Senior and Disabled Services, and every county employee who has helped to get food in the hands of those who are struggling amidst this unprecedented public health crisis,” said Freeholder Jonathan Young. “Prior to coronavirus, this program served just under 500 participants. In a matter of weeks, our team was able to exponentially expand our efforts and reach thousands of residents throughout Camden County who no longer had reliable access to healthy meals. We have now delivered nearly 210,000 meals across nearly every municipality, and we are continuing to take on new clients every week.”

Meals have been delivered to seniors in 36 municipalities. More individual clients (558) were served on May 4 than any other day since the expansion of the program. More deliveries were made on May 22 (4,950) than any other day.

“This would not have been possible without the incredible men and women at the Department of Health, Parks, Buildings and Ops, and all the other county employees who have stepped up to make deliveries. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their incredible public service,” Young said. “Still, even with the progress we have made in our community in terms of fighting the spread of COVID-19, we know that coronavirus will continue to impact our community until there is a reliable, widely available vaccine, and the economic repercussions of this pandemic will stay with us even beyond then. As we continue to navigate these crises, rest assured that we are here to get you the assistance you need.”

The Division of Senior and Disabled Services is continuing to deliver meals to new program participants. If you or a senior you know needs meal assistance, please call (856) 374-MEAL or (856) 858-3220 to make arrangements.