Today, the Board of Commissioners, Mayor Victor Carstarphen, DoorDash, and local nonprofit organizations celebrated a new partnership through the company’s Community Credits Program to address food insecurity.
In preparation for September’s Hunger Action Month, DoorDash is working with the city to help reduce food insecurity, in support of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, by providing gift cards to local organizations that are working to broaden food access.
“Food insecurity is one of the most challenging issues facing the city of Camden today,” Cappelli said. “The city is classified as a food desert, meaning a large portion of our residents struggle to find and afford healthy foods. Through this program, we can bridge the gap a little bit and provide those who struggle the most with some much-needed relief when it comes to feeding themselves and their loved ones. Fixing the issue of food insecurity is a top priority for us on a city and countywide level and we will not quit until we see these conditions improve for everyone.”
Food deserts are regions of the country that feature large proportions of households with low incomes, inadequate access to transportation and a limited number of food retailers providing fresh produce and healthy groceries for affordable prices, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 2022, Camden City was listed as having the largest food desert community in the state of New Jersey, according to a report by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.