Launched in July 2020, the Bergen County Food Security Task Force worked to bring together key stakeholders to end hunger in Bergen County.
Since its launch, the Task Force has evolved into the Office of Food Security, finding a permanent place in Bergen County government. The OFS has brought together nonprofit partners to engage in conversations on ways to address food security in Bergen County. They have invested $4 million dollars to bolster infrastructure and support sustainability at local food pantries. From refrigeration and freezers to enable the storage of healthier foods, to computers, shelving and pantry retrofits, the Office of Food Security has strengthened local pantries for the marathon of need we are seeing. Commissioner Zur has also been working to raise awareness on the profound need in our community by working with schools, civic organizations, and faith based organizations to organize food drives and shift the definition of what is a good donation. Encouraging the donation of healthy foods, hygiene products, and diapers, Commissioner Zur has been a staunch advocate for better health outcomes for individuals utilizing our pantries.
Have formulated and championed a No Wrong Door Approach through a more expansive use of the Oasis platform. Through Oasis, we enable our food pantries to holistically wrap services around residents in need wherever they initially go for help. This platform provides for a warm handoff, relieving individuals in need of the burden of navigating resources alone and treating them with care and dignity. By providing this connectivity and collaboration, the OFS hopes to get to the root causes of food insecurity and ultimately reduce the stress and struggle of many of our residents in need.
Learn More
Visit the Task Force's website to learn more about food insecurity in Bergen County and how you can be part of the solution.