,
24
July
2020
|
15:07 PM
America/Chicago

N.J. Wing Surpasses 1.5 Million Meals Distributed

Capt. Matthew Chirik
Public Affairs Officer
New Jersey Wing

New Jersey Wing members have continued their partnership with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and have packaged over 1½ million meals for members of the community.

Wing members have been volunteering at Community Food Bank locations and community distribution sites across Atlantic and Camden counties since early April for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic would not be possible without the dedicated members of the New Jersey Wing, who have just reached an incredible milestone of 1½ million nutritious meals packed between our Hillside and Egg Harbor Township locations,” said Carlos Rodriguez, Community Food Bank president and CEO.

"We are truly grateful for their support as we work to reach more neighbors in need than ever before, particularly those who find themselves struggling for the first time due to the crisis,” Rodriguez said.

The meals account for nearly 30% of all meals packaged and distributed nationally by Civil Air Patrol members during the pandemic. The New Jersey Wing’s support of the mission will continue for the foreseeable future.

Wing members have responded across the state, with some traveling long distances and taking time off work.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our volunteers in this response, and I make sure to say ‘thank you’ in every message and call with our members. In these trying times, they have set aside their own challenges to ease the stress and need of thousands of fellow New Jerseyans,” said Lt. Col. Bob Jennings, incident commander for the wing’s COVID-19 missions. “Supporting our state and communities in times of need is at the heart of what Civil Air Patrol is about.”

Acting as a Total Force partner and the Air Force auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol is aligned with First Air Force to rapidly respond to non-military threats domestically when tasked in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities capacity to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage and provide humanitarian assistance.