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December 14, 2022Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, provides many services to those in need and one of those services is providing food to those who need it. One Catholic Charities location that helps feed the community is Unity Square located at 80 Remsen Ave. in New Brunswick. With food distributions happening at 11:30 am every Friday and a more personal Choice Food Model happening every Tuesday, clients are being offered between 20 and 30 pounds of food each week. The demand for food is growing, and thanks to Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, Unity Square will be able to reach morethan ever before.
Saint Peter’s Healthcare System recently awarded a $25,000 grant to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Metuchen specifically for food pantry programs. Saint Peter’s knows that among the various social determinants of health, food insecurity has one of the most extensive impacts on the overall health of individuals. People who are food insecure are disproportionally affected by chronic disease.
“The funds provided by Saint Peter’s will add to our food insecurity efforts at Unity Square in New Brunswick,” says Krista Glynn, service area director at Catholic Charities. “Healthy food options and wellness items are often in limited supply, but thanks to Saint Peter’s, we can now expand our ability to include such items.
What prompted Saint Peter’s to award this money to Catholic Charities? Jim Choma, vice president for Catholic Mission and chief development officer at Saint Peter's Healthcare System, says, “We wanted to give back to the community that gave us so much during the pandemic.”
Choma explained that during the coronavirus pandemic, healthcare workers were working around the clock, including those at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick. Doctors, nurses and hospital staff were overwhelmed by the generosity of the community which displayed its appreciation in many ways including sewing masks and donating them to those in need, and providing meals.
Saint Peter’s is extremely thankful for the prayers and donations from the Diocesan community that helped sustain their healthcare team. “It is a true blessing to have Saint Peter’s Healthcare System partner with us to serve those area residents who are experiencing food insecurity,” says Julio Coto, executive director, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen. “During the season of giving, we’ll be able to give so much more thanks to the generosity of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System.”
Saint Peter’s Healthcare System has awarded one-time grants to 13 community organizations to address social determinants of health and enhance the lives of residents in the communities served by the healthcare system, many of whom are among the most vulnerable. They believe that good health is a sound investment to improve quality of life for individuals and the community at large.
For more information about Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen, please visit ccdom.org. LIKE and visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @ccdom1 to stay updated on upcoming events and ways we help clients get the services and assistance they need.
Tiffany Workman is the Communications Specialist in the Office of Communications and Public Relations at the Diocese of Metuchen.
