36,000 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 36,000 meals have been delivered to Camden County seniors.

In total, more than 1,700 individual seniors have received nutritious meals as they navigate the unprecedented crisis represented by coronavirus. The Division is now routinely delivering more than 2,000 meals each day, and notably distributed more than 7,400 meals in the last three businesses days alone, the largest total of any three-day period since the expanded program began.

“The Department of Health has quadrupled the size of its home-delivered meals program in just four short weeks, an accomplishment that did not seem possible before we were faced with this public health crisis we find ourselves in today,” said Freeholder Jonathan Young.  “In that time, the Department secured additional food supply, storage space, and additional drivers without interrupting service to any of its existing or new clients. While growth in new clients has begun to stabilize, seniors throughout Camden County should know that our team is available and ready to serve if they are in danger of going hungry during this disaster.”

Meals have been delivered to seniors in 33 municipalities. March 30 remains the largest day for the program, with more than 4,000 meals having been delivered.

“I would be remiss if I did not again highlight the men and women from the Division of Senior Services, Public Works, Parks, Building and Ops, and other county employees who are making these deliveries,” Young said. “These public servants continue to leave their homes each day to ensure that their neighbors and fellow residents do not go without during this crisis. Without them we could not accomplish the extraordinary success that we have experienced thus far.”

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.