Summer break might mean fun in the sun for some kids, but for far too many families across New Jersey, it means facing a harsh reality: no school meals, and empty pantries. That’s where the third annual New Jersey Credit Unions Food Cooperative comes in.
First Harvest Credit Union, Affinity Federal Credit Union, and EdiFi Credit Union are leading the charge this year, rallying 18 credit unions across the state to tackle food insecurity head-on. From June 15 through August 31, 2026, credit union branches will become collection hubs for non-perishable food donations—all aimed at restocking local food pantries during one of the toughest times of the year for families in need.
The Numbers Tell a Sobering Story
Here’s the thing: New Jersey’s food insecurity problem is getting worse, not better. According to the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate, 11.7% of residents—that’s 1.1 million people—faced food insecurity in 2023. Even more concerning? Child food insecurity jumped from 9.0% to 13.4% between 2020 and 2023.
Add to that the fact that the state’s Economic Development Authority has identified 50 food desert communities with a combined population of 1.5 million residents who have limited access to healthy, affordable food. Many of these communities fall right within the service areas of the participating credit unions, making this initiative more than just charitable—it’s personal.
How to Help
Want to pitch in? It’s simple. Just drop off non-perishable food items at any participating credit union branch. Your donations stay local—they’ll go directly to food pantries and community organizations in that branch’s neighborhood.
Here are the 18 credit unions participating in this year’s cooperative:
- Affinity Federal Credit Union (Co-Sponsor)
- EdiFi Credit Union (Co-Sponsor)
- First Harvest Credit Union (Co-Sponsor)
- ACE Federal Credit Union
- Advanced Financial Federal Credit Union
- Bay Atlantic Federal Credit Union
- Bridgeton Onized Federal Credit Union
- County Excellence Federal Credit Union
- Deepwater Industries Federal Credit Union
- Elizabeth, NJ Firemen’s Federal Credit Union
- Healthcare Employees Federal Credit Union
- Manville Area Federal Credit Union
- Members 1st of NJ Federal Credit Union
- Motion Federal Credit Union
- Princeton Federal Credit Union
- Ridgedale Federal Credit Union
- Seaport Federal Credit Union
- The Atlantic Federal Credit Union
What to Donate
Not all donations are created equal. Food pantries have specific needs, and these items top the list:
- Canned fruits & vegetables
- Whole grain pasta & rice
- Instant potatoes
- Low-sugar cereals
- Canned protein like tuna & chicken
- Spreads in plastic jars
- Shelf stable milk & nut milks
- Canned soups & stews
Why Credit Unions Are Leading the Charge
Credit unions aren’t like traditional banks—they’re not-for-profit cooperatives built on the principle of people helping people. So when communities hurt, credit unions step up.
“As not-for-profit credit unions, we have an inherent responsibility to uplift the communities we serve,” said Mike Dinneen, President & CEO of First Harvest. “New Jersey’s credit unions serve a wide variety of rural, urban, and suburban communities. There is a food inequity and affordability crisis that is impacting all of our residents. Credit unions have a proven ability to lead when there is a need to help those who are underserved.”
Jill Peterson, President & CEO of EdiFi Credit Union, echoed that sentiment: “We’re seeing the stress that the increased cost of food and necessities is having on our local communities. This effort to help those in need is perfectly consistent with the mission of the credit union movement to lift up individuals and families. It’s great to see so many of our credit union colleagues collaborating together towards this initiative.”
Kevin Brauer, President & CEO of Affinity Federal Credit Union, added: “With food insecurity on the rise throughout the state, we felt a call to action to support communities with limited access to healthy and affordable food sources. The credit union difference is about people helping people, and New Jersey credit unions coming together for initiatives like this demonstrates the cooperative spirit of working with our members and local communities.”
Bottom line? When kids are going hungry in your backyard, you do something about it. These 18 credit unions are doing exactly that—and they’re making it easy for the rest of us to help too.