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Programs

Nutrition Plus Program

One of the problems facing America’s poor is poor nutrition. Ironically, many of America’s poor suffer from obesity. Obesity often results from habits of eating fast food, fatty cuts of meat, candy, and snack food. Our aim is to help reinforce the work of nutritionists to help redirect eating habits toward the consumption of leaner meats and fresh fruit and vegetables.

 

The Nutrition Plus program by adding poultry, dairy products and, fruits and vegetables has enhanced the nutritional quality of our weekly distribution of non-perishable food items such as canned goods, cereals, and rice.

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Our 2022 Client Survey indicated:

  • Approximately 93% of respondents said that receiving fresh fruits and vegetables with their weekly groceries has improved their diet, and more than half noted that this frequent receipt of fresh produce has prompted them to purchase fruits and vegetables more regularly during their trips to the supermarket.

  • Respondents provided positive responses (Excellent + Satisfactory) for the various categories of food provided: Meats - 81.9%; Dairy - 85.3%; Vegetables - 87.3%; Fruits - 80.8%; Canned Goods - 81.8%; and, Breads - 77.3%

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​We are currently working with the Englewood Community Chest and Englewood Hospital Medical Center in “Partnership for Healthy Eating”, a partnership of volunteers working to educate low income residents about nutritious eating.

Health and Hygiene Program

Items such as toilet paper, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes are scheduled throughout the year. This program helps to defray some of the cost families incur to purchase these items.  In our 2022 Client Survey 80.8% felt the Health and Hygiene items they received were Excellent (56.1%) or Satisfactory (24.7%).

Diaper Program

Diapers are given weekly to families with infants under age three.

Our research of the financial impact of diapers on low income families indicates:

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  • Diapers are expensive, costing about $80 per month per child.

  • 44% of families who use diapers are low income families

  • 1 out of 3 families have difficulties affording diapers.

  • Infants require up to 10 diapers per day

  • Diapers are not covered under Federal or New Jersey programs.

  • Families with diaper shortages reported more difficulty with stress management, depression and coping with trauma which can negatively affect a child’s health and development

  • The cost of diapers on low-income families consumes a large portion of their incomes, forcing them into impossible choices between food, rent, and diapers.

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In the 2022 Survey, 100% of clients with infants indicated that diapers are “very important” to their family budget.

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