Ridgewood Nonprofit On 'Front Line' Of Need, Delivers 400K Meals

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Since 2021, a Ridgewood anti-hunger nonprofit has pumped $4.5 million into village restaurants to provide hundreds of thousands of hot meals to those in need, leadership said.

Feed the Frontlines, an initiative of Ridgewood's HealthBarn Foundation in partnership with the village Chamber of Commerce, held its last day of distribution Tuesday under phase 3 of a state grant program.

"We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished," HealthBarn Foundation Director Stacey Antine said. "It's amazing to reflect on what a volunteer effort is capable of doing to help others in need."

Funded through the New Jersey Economic Development Sustain & Serve program, the food security initiative has purchased more than 400,000 nutritious meals to distribute to pantries throughout Bergen County. A $1 million grant was awarded in September, adding to $3 million awarded in 2021 and 2022.

"This (initiative) kept restaurants in business during a challenging time, provided the dignity of a meal to those struggling, and empowered many to help their neighbors," Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur said in a social media post.

Zur said she hopes NJEDA will provide another round of funding for the initiative, "as the levels of food insecurity in the community are still staggering."

"This program was definitely a winner for all involved," Zur said.