Neighbor feeding neighbor.
Food insecurity in New Jersey communities has always been an issue, but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many residents to make the impossible decision between either buying food or paying rent.
In response to these challenges,
Soup Kitchen 411 launched new distribution programs in an attempt to curb pandemic related food insecurity while stimulating local economies and keeping struggling restaurants afloat.
We are working to alleviate the pervasive problem of food insecurity in the U.S. by raising awareness and connecting those in need to soup kitchens and other collective spaces where they can enjoy a hot meal.
Grant Recognitions
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SUSTAIN AND SERVE
We have been named a recipient of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Sustain and Serve NJ Grant each of its three rounds of funding, which began in March 2021.
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MIDDLESEX COUNTY GRANT
In February 2021, Middlesex County Department of Human Resources provided grant funding for the purchase of nearly 20,000 local meals.
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COMMUNITY RECOVERY GRANT
The Monmouth County Community Recovery Grant Program provided us with funding in August 2022 to launch Meals for Monmouth and sustain specifically target meal distributions in Monmouth’s food deserts.
“I’m proud of the incredible work done by organizations like Soup Kitchen 411 to combat hunger in our state. Soup Kitchen 411 has just hit the milestone of 300,000 meals provided free-of-charge across New Jersey, all the while supporting local restaurants. This milestone serves as an astounding reminder of the tireless work of Soup Kitchen 411 and the impact of our Sustain & Serve program.”
— Governor Phil Murphy, June 23, 2021 media briefing
“During the first ban on indoor dining, my business was hemorrhaging money and I didn’t think I’d be able to retain even half of my staff, but FeedNJ contacted me asking to buy 1,595 meals and it was like a lifeline in the dark. I love making food and I love helping people in need, but it’s just so hard when your restaurant is losing 80% of its regular business. FeedNJ has continued to buy enough meals from us to enable me to retain all of my staff members while working for my local community.”
— Carlos Rodriguez, Owner of Cafe Torres in Perth Amboy
“Soup Kitchen 411 deserves to be commended for their work to end food insecurity in Monmouth County, while also promoting the incredible work of those providing food for people in need.”
— Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone
We have also been supported with funding from local businesses, and regional, national, and international corporations including Altria, Amazon, American Water, AT&T, Atlantic City Electric, BCB
Bank, Berkshire Bank, Coca-Cola, Comcast, CME Associates, CVS Health, Fairview Insurance, Federal Business Centers, Hackensack Meridian Health, Horizon Insurance, Insurance Council of NJ, JCP&L, Jefferson Health, Legacy Health, Mancini, Mercadian, Mercury Public Affairs, New Jersey Manufacturers (NJM), NJ Bankers Association, NJ Firemen's Mutual Benevolent Association (NJFMBA), NY Shipping Association, NJ PBA 105, O’Toole Scrivo, LLC, Pfizer, Phillips 66, Progressive Capital International, Prudential, Radiant Resources, RAI, Raul Esquivel Family Trust, Resound Marketing, Roberts Floral, RWJ Foundation, SJI Industries, Spencer Savings Bank, T&M Associates, Verizon, Wal-Mart, and Wells Fargo.
FAQs
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There is a misconception that if you aren’t experiencing homelessness, you aren’t hungry, when in fact, most people who rely on soup kitchens and food pantries have. They are the working poor, and often work two jobs, without time to cook meals for themselves and their families. More children are hungry in New Jersey than adults, proportionately.
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Food pantries provide raw ingredient for recipients to take home and cook. But people without homes are unable to do that, and the working poor often don’t the time after work and childcare. It’s always been important to have places people can go to get a cooked meal.
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Two reasons: Because restaurants were losing business rapidly. This was a way to bring back a small portion of the business they had lost. Also because soup kitchen staffs were serving more people than ever, often without volunteer assistance. They were overwhelmed, and still are.
Additionally, many of the people who became reliant on soup kitchens during the pandemic used to be customers at beloved local restaurants. For them to taste some familiar meals is uplifting and encouraging, believe us, we’ve heard it dozens of times in communities across the state.
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We believe in fighting hunger without sacrificing nutrition. We require the meals we buy from local restaurants include a protein source, a starch, and vegetables. We buy classic Americana, Italian, South American, Vietnamese, Middle-eastern, Soul, and many other delicious meals requested by our community distribution partners.
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We don’t have one. We are a small team of part-time staff and volunteers working remotely to coordinate meal purchases from restaurants and their delivery to food distributors (soup kitchens, F/CBOs, and others.) By not renting office space, we’re able to ensure that over 90% of every dollar we receive goes to feeding New Jersey
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Follow and share our work here and on social media, donate, and get involved with your local soup kitchen. We have always prided ourselves as connectors working with others in the daily fight against hunger. We exist to empower local soup kitchens, food pantries, and others. While we can utilize virtual volunteers for certain projects, we highly recommend you get involved on the ground with your local soup kitchen and/or food insecurity charity.