The CFBNJ’s ‘Night of 300,000 Meals’ returns to support South Jersey’s food-insecure communities
By Delaney Crawford
Food insecurity continues to be one of the most pressing and often overlooked issues facing South Jersey today. Despite our vibrant beaches, bustling boardwalks, and growing towns, the counties of Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland are home to more than 65,000 food-insecure residents. That number grows to nearly one million across New Jersey as a whole. The reality is that for countless individuals and families right here in our area, it’s a daily struggle to put food on the table.
Behind the scenes of this ongoing crisis is a network of individuals, organizations, and volunteers fighting to make a difference. Leading that fight is the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), which has been providing critical support for more than four decades.
Established in 1975, the FoodBank has become one of the largest anti-hunger and anti-poverty organizations in the state, distributing food and groceries to more than 800 local food pantries, soup kitchens, and feeding programs statewide.
The FoodBank’s South Jersey branch in Egg Harbor Township plays a vital role in this mission. It’s also the site of one of CFBNJ’s most impactful and largest annual fundraisers: the Night of 300,000 Meals. This important event mixes fun, tastings, local business support, and community generosity into one unforgettable evening.
On Thursday, May 1, at 5:30 p.m., the seventh annual Night of 300,000 Meals will take place inside the CFBNJ South Jersey warehouse located at 6735 Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township. Tickets are available for $100 and can be purchased at cfbnj.org/300kmeals. The website also lists sponsorship opportunities and additional ways to support the event and the FoodBank’s broader mission.
This event was originally created to bring the community together while supporting the food banks and, over the years, has expanded into much more.
“When we first started this event, it was the Night of 100,000 Meals,” said Nicole Williams-Meltzer, Assistant Director of Communications and Public Relations at CFBNJ. “Since then, it’s grown into what it is now. Every dollar raised helps provide three meals to people in need, and this year, our goal is to raise $100,000 to fund 300,000 meals.”
The evening transforms the FoodBank’s warehouse into a vibrant food and drink festival, featuring tasting stations hosted by some of the area’s top chefs and restaurants. Attendees can sip on a signature cocktail created by Tito’s Vodka, enjoy live music, and sample a wide variety of gourmet dishes, all while learning about and supporting a critical cause.
“The setup is indoor-outdoor, with tents to accommodate overflow,” Williams-Meltzer explained. “It’s one of our biggest and most meaningful events of the year. It’s about fun, food, and community, but it’s also about real impact.”
That impact stretches far past this one night as well. The funds raised at this event directly support the FoodBank’s ongoing efforts in South Jersey, from its on-site pantry, which operates five days a week and serves more than 18,000 local families each month, to its mobile food distributions, which reach underserved areas throughout the region.
“South Jersey has some of the state’s highest rates of food insecurity,” Williams-Meltzer said. “That’s why this event is so important. We want people to understand that food insecurity isn’t just found in the poorest areas. It can exist in affluent neighborhoods too. It could be your neighbor, a coworker, or a classmate of your child.”
In addition to Tito’s Vodka, the event is made possible by several major sponsors, including Caesars Foundation, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Golden Nugget, NJ American Water, NJM Insurance Group, Resorts Casino, and the T. Marzetti Company. Their partnerships play a crucial role in helping the FoodBank meet its ambitious goal of providing 300,000 meals to neighbors in need.
When asked what type of support is needed most outside of just attending this event, Williams-Meltzer didn’t hesitate: “Right now, a dollar is the most powerful donation. Every single dollar helps us provide three meals, and that’s what is most needed.”
Events like this serve as a reminder that hunger doesn’t always look like what we expect. Hunger can affect anyone, and it’s up to all of us to shine a light on the issue. While volunteering for the Night of 300,000 Meals isn’t an option due to the structure of the event, the CFBNJ is always looking for helping hands year-round.
From assisting at mobile and on-site pantries to sorting and packing food donations, there are countless ways for the community to get involved. Volunteer opportunities can be found at cfbnj.org/volunteer.
The Night of 300,000 Meals is more than a fundraiser. It’s a celebration of compassion, community, and the power of coming together to help one another. It’s a chance to enjoy an unforgettable night out, while ensuring that someone else doesn’t go to bed hungry.
If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference, this night is a good place to start.
