73,000 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 73,000 meals have been delivered to Camden County seniors.

In total, more 2,100 individual seniors have received nutritious meals as they navigate the unprecedented crisis represented by coronavirus. From April 29 to May 5, the Division delivered more than 13,400 meals countywide. More meals were delivered on May 4 (4,358) than any other day since the program’s expansion.

“The longer this crisis drags on, the more residents will be in need of assistance. The Freeholder Board is committed to ensuring that no one goes hungry because of this public health and economic crises,” said Freeholder Jonathan Young. “Yesterday our team delivered more melas than in any other single day since the start of this pandemic, and we will continue to exceed that total if the need exists in our community. If you are a Camden County resident in need of meal assistance during this pandemic, you will not be abandoned.”

Meals have been delivered to seniors in 36 municipalities. More individual clients not previously enrolled in the program received meals on May 4 than any other day since the start of this pandemic (558).

“We cannot offer enough thanks and praise to the Department of Health, Division of Senior Services, Public Works, Parks, Building and Ops, and other departments, who have seamlessly increased the size and scope of this program exponentially,” Young said. “These dedicated public servants have continued to leave their homes each day during a public health crisis to ensure that others have the supplies and resources they need to stay safe. Their integrity and dedication to our residents is an example for us all to aspire to.”

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.