The Need is Greater
Than Ever 

Why your support is needed 
now more than ever

About Catholic Charities

• Catholic Charities Food Pantries help more people today than we ever have in our 80+ year history. Between our three pantries, Catholic Charities Diocese of Paterson provides food to approximately 20,000 people each month.
  
  
• We serve the most vulnerable members of our communities — including young children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those working multiple jobs to make ends meet.
  
  
• During the critical summer months, children are out of school and miss out on the two daily meals they typically receive during the academic year.
  
  
• While the holiday season brings generous support from many, the summer months present a greater challenge. With many families on vacation, the needs of the food insecure often fade from public attention.
  
  
  About Food Insecurity in New Jersey
  
  
• The NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate reports that approximately 9.8% of New Jersey HOUSEHOLDS experience food insecurity annually, equating to over 347,000 HOUSEHOLDS.
  
  
• The NJ Dept of Health reports that approximately 10.7% of New Jersey RESIDENTS experienced food insecurity in 2022, equating to over 994,000 INDIVIDUALS.
  
  
• Seniors are even more negatively affected; America's Health Ranking says "that approximately 11.7% of New Jersey residents aged 60 and older faced the threat of hunger in the past 12 months."
  
  
• Government issued SNAP benefits (food stamps) do not cover hygiene supplies such as toilet paper, diapers, and soap.
  
  
• In 2023, the average rate for food insufficiency in New Jersey was almost 10% according to FRAC (Food Research & Action Center)
  
  
• In 2021, 9.8% of New Jersey's population, including 197,280 children, were food insecure, (Advocates for Children of New Jersey). With the rise in cost of living, the numbers are consistently going up.