Affinity, EdiFi, and First Harvest Credit Unions Lead Food Drive Initiative for New Jersey Credit Unions

First Harvest Credit Union (“First Harvest”), Affinity Federal Credit Union (“Affinity”), and EdiFi Credit Union (“EdiFi”) have come together to launch the New Jersey Credit Unions Food Cooperative and have engaged 27 New Jersey credit unions to participate in the initiative and help address the growing hunger crisis in New Jersey. All participating credit unions and their select branches will serve as collection locations, allowing for broader geographic coverage across New Jersey, which will support dozens of food pantries and organizations throughout the state. The program runs from October 1 through November 8.

According to NJ.gov, New Jersey’s food insecurity rate had increased from 8.7% in 2018 to 10.7% in 2022. With food insecurity on the rise throughout the state, children under the age of 18 are being impacted the most with a food insecurity rate of 13.2%. Additionally, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority identified the top 50 food desert communities in the state have a combined total population of 1.5 million residents. These communities, who continue to have limited access to healthy and affordable food sources, are largely located within the footprints of the participating credit unions.

To donate, credit union members and residents throughout New Jersey can find a participating credit union listed below, and its nearest branch to drop off non-perishable food items. Each credit union branch will directly support a food pantry or organization within the community it serves.

Participating credit unions include:

• Affinity Federal Credit Union (Co-Sponsor)

• EdiFi Credit Union (Co-Sponsor)

• First Harvest Credit Union (Co-Sponsor)

• 1166 Federal Credit Union

• Atlantic City Electric Company Employees Federal Credit Union

• Bay Atlantic Federal Credit Union

• Bridgeton Onized Federal Credit Union

• County Educators Federal Credit Union

• Credit Union of New Jersey, A Federal Credit Union

• Deepwater Industries Federal Credit Union

• Garden Savings Federal Credit Union

• Greater Alliance Federal Credit Union

• Jersey Central Federal Credit Union

• Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union

• Manville Area Federal Credit Union

• Members 1st of NJ Federal Credit Union

• Merck Employees Federal Credit Union

• Messiah Baptist Church Federal Credit Union

• Motion Federal Credit Union

• Picatinny Federal Credit Union

• Princeton Federal Credit Union

• Ridgedale Federal Credit Union

• Rutgers Federal Credit Union

• The Atlantic Federal Credit Union

• Thunderbolt Area Federal Credit Union

• United Poles Federal Credit Union

• United Teletech Financial Federal Credit Union

Essential food items with the greatest need include:

• 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

“As credit unions, we are always stronger when we partner together. New Jersey has over 130 credit unions, serving a wide variety of rural, urban and suburban communities. One thing that is consistent is the food and affordability crisis that is impacting all of our residents. Credit unions have an inherent mission and proven ability to take the reins when there is a need to help those who are underserved or in need, and I am proud to stand with these amazing New Jersey credit union leaders and implement this important member-driven mission.” First Harvest President & CEO Mike Dinneen.

“New Jersey credit unions as member owned cooperatives have always been about people helping people, and this food drive is just one way we live out that mission. New Jersey credit unions coming together for initiatives like this, show the cooperative spirit of working together with our members and local communities, to alleviate hunger and ensure that no one must worry about where their next meal is coming from. Together, we can make a difference for those who need it most in our communities.” Affinity Federal Credit Union President & CEO Kevin Brauer.

“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.” EdiFi Credit Union President & CEO Jill Peterson