HUNGER IN CAPE MAY
THE PROBLEM
Cape May is a picturesque seaside community with an economy driven by tourists that flock to the beaches, festivals, and events. However, what is often overlooked is the fact that our community also has a significant need - many of our local residents are seasonal and front-line workers.
Many are impacted by the seasonal nature of the work here, accompanied by a stark shortage of affordable housing which makes the cost of living quite high.
Many of our clients cannot absorb the current inflation rate which is also impacting their buying power. All these factors created food insecurity and real need in our community.
During the pandemic, the number of our clients increased ed by 50% and the number of our deliveries has exploded since 2019 - as more people can’t afford cars, have significant medical issues, or are unable to drive or take public transportation to our location.
FOOD INSECURITY
"There’s a common misperception that food insecurity is something that you can see, for instance, a person who is street homeless or fishing around in a garbage can,” - Dr. Mariana Chilton, an associate professor at the Drexel University School of Public Health.
“But food insecurity is happening among families. It’s happening among our neighbors, among people who are working in low-income jobs. And we really need to pay more attention to it.”
OUR CLIENTS SAID
From the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you for all the good food you provided to me since I am in this difficult time
- CLIENT FEEDBACK
I love the new system where we can come in and shop. It is great to be able to select what I want and leave other items for folks that might need it more. With the cost of food so high, I could not afford to do this on my own - the Food Closet is such a blessing, and all the volunteers are so nice and helpful.
- CLIENT FEEDBACK
Words can not express my gratitude for the months of donations your organization provided my family during our time of need. Your organization is truly a blessing for our community. Your generosity my family was shown will never be forgotten, and we are truly grateful. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
- CLIENT FEEDBACK
I couldn't get by on my own without the food you folks provide. It gives me such peace of mind.
- CLIENT FEEDBACK
