Camden residents are set to benefit from a new initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity across the city. Cooper University Health Care has been awarded $19,300 to support this effort. Courtesy of the Camden Food Security Collective. The grant, backed by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and administered by the Food Bank of South Jersey will fund Cooper’s Community Health Worker program, a system designed to bring help directly to the neighborhoods that need it most.
The program has joined forces with The Food Trust, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit, to establish a presence at eight corner stores across Camden. Their goal is straightforward: connect city residents with access to SNAP benefits, food pantries, healthcare, employment opportunities, and housing services. According to Cooper University Health, the grant-funded work officially began on July 1.
Community Health Workers Bringing Help Directly to Neighborhoods
Elizabeth Nice said,
“Through this grant, we’re able to deepen our reach into the Camden community and provide meaningful, person-centered support right where people live and shop, “
Vice president of Cooper Care Alliance and Population Health, said in a press release.
“Our community health workers play a vital role in addressing food insecurity by identifying challenges and helping individuals connect to resources that promote long-term well-being.”
Tailored Support for Residents Unique Needs
The program emphasizes culturally responsive, population-specific support to ensure that interventions truly address the unique needs of each community. Workers develop personalized care plans for those seeking assistance, and screenings help determine residents’ needs in areas such as housing, food access, employment, and transportation, ensuring people are connected to the right resources efficiently.
This initiative represents a proactive step toward tackling systemic barriers and improving quality of life for Camden residents. By bringing support directly into the neighborhoods where people live and shop, Cooper University Health Care and its partners are helping create a more resilient and well-supported community.
