Recently, the Alliance Center for Independence completed a grant from the NJ Pandemic Relief Fund, which was organized to assist people impacted by statewide disasters and emergencies. In June, ACI was awarded funding to provide food assistance to low income individuals with disabilities and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We wanted to use this funding to help meet the needs of people facing food insecurity during these challenging times," says, Carole Tonks, ACI's Executive Director. Specifically, the funding was used to purchase grocery store gift cards for 101 individuals with disabilities and their families. In addition, ACI staff purchased and delivered food to individuals and families within a 30 mile radius of our office. "There was a tremendous need for the services that we were offering through this grant", observed Argenys Caba, ACI Food Pantry Manager. "Over 400 people applied for the gift cards alone." To help meet the needs of people who we could not help through the grant, ACI offered the services of our food pantry and gave out resources for pantries throughout the state.
ACI is grateful for the funding we received from the NJ Pandemic Relief Fund and is honored to be given the opportunity to directly assist our community.
ACI's food pantry remains open for curbside pickup, if you are in need, please contact Argenys at 732-738-4388 for an appointment.
