Chop Hunger cooking competition raises funds for hunger relief across South Jersey. Burlington County Institute of Technology takes home the title of chomp hunger champion at annual culinary fundraiser. PENNSAUKEN, N.J. (June 5, 2026) - The Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ), the region's largest emergency food distributor, hosted its annual Chop Hunger culinary fundraising challenge on Thursday evening. Eight corporate teams, local judges and community supporters gathered at the Food Bank's Center for Health, Wellness & Nutrition for an evening centered on friendly competition and the fight against hunger. "South Jersey shows up for its neighbors - that's what Chop Hunger proves every year," said Jane Asselta, President & CEO of the Food Bank of South Jersey. "We're grateful to every team, judge and sponsor who made the event possible. That spirit of generosity is what has sustained this organization for 40 years and will carry us forward." Each team had 45 minutes to transform a box of mystery food-pantry staples into dishes judged on taste, presentation and use of at least three of the five USDA food groups. Competing teams represented Burlington County Institute of Technology (BCIT), Holman Enterprises, M&T Bank, Parts Life and DeVal Lifecycle, United Airlines, Virtua Health, Western Extrusion and Zallie Community Foundation. At the end of the night, the team from BCIT took home the title of Chop Hunger champions. The winning dish included corn-flake encrusted croquets seasoned with bell peppers, onions and garlic, served on sunflower chickpea hummus and garnished with julienne apples & parsley. Judges included Chef Nick Clare, culinary content creator and community storyteller; Chef Rick Tarantino, Director of R&D for Rastelli Food Group and President of Tarantino Food Group; Pastor Darlene Trappier, FBSJ Board of Trustees member and founder of the Beacon of Hope Food Pantry in Mt. Holly; and Barrington Mayor Kyle Hanson. "This event is such a great opportunity for the community to come together and support the work that the Food Bank of South Jersey is providing to the area," said Chef Clare. "I especially enjoyed getting to connect with the young chefs from BCIT and know that this event will encourage them to consider the greater aspects of nutrition as they continue their culinary education." Chop Hunger 2026 was made possible by presenting sponsor Campbell's; dessert sponsor Puratos; beverage sponsor Deerfield/Fox Meadow; ingredient sponsor Wegmans; and food providers Norma's Eastern Mediterranean Restaurant and Haddon Culinary. Photos from the event can be found at foodbanksj.canto.com/b/TAC2B. To learn more about the Food Bank of South Jersey or to support its programs that fight food insecurity across the region and serve more than 189,000 individuals each month, visit www.foodbanksj.org. About the Food Bank of South Jersey The Food Bank of South Jersey believes that no one should go to bed hungry. Since 1985, it has been a pillar of hope and support for Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties. By distributing safe and healthy food, offering nutrition and wellness courses and partnering with local agencies on sustainable programs, FBSJ works to empower neighbors with the resources they need to thrive. In 2025, FBSJ distributed nearly 20.7 million meals through its direct distributions and network of more than 300 community partners. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit and proud member of Feeding America, the Food Bank honors its 40 years of service by expanding its commitment to a healthier, hunger-free South Jersey. Learn more at FoodBankSJ.org.

New Jersey hunger relief partnership expands fresh food access. May 18, 2026 A statewide collaboration between New Jersey food banks, agricultural partners, and state agencies is helping keep fresh produce on local tables. Fresh, locally grown produce is reaching more New Jersey families thanks to a powerful New Jersey hunger relief partnership focused on fighting food insecurity and strengthening food access across the Garden State. Mercer Street Friends joined the four other New Jersey Feeding America food banks - Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Food Bank of South Jersey, Fulfill, and Norwescap - at America's Grow-a-Row alongside the Mid-Atlantic Regional Cooperative and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to celebrate the successful first year of a transformative partnership aimed at improving produce sourcing and distribution across New Jersey. One year of impact. Over the past year, the partnership has worked to ensure that more fresh fruits and vegetables grown in New Jersey stay in New Jersey communities. Through coordinated sourcing, distribution, and collaboration between food banks and agricultural partners, the percentage of America's Grow-a-Row produce retained within the state increased from 34% to 63%. As a result, more than 2.6 million pounds of fresh produce have reached neighbors facing food insecurity across New Jersey - expanding access to nutritious food while supporting local agriculture and strengthening regional food systems. This collaboration highlights what is possible when nonprofits, state agencies and agricultural organizations work together toward a shared mission: ensuring every family has access to fresh, healthy food.