Middlesex County Hosts Food Insecurity Policy Summit to Tackle Hunger and Strengthen Community Partnerships

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MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ - As part of Hunger Action Month, Middlesex County's Office of Human Services volunteer advocacy group, the Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC), brought together government officials, nonprofit leaders, food pantries, and community advocates for the 2025 Food Insecurity Policy Summit on Monday, September 22, at the ESCNJ Professional Conference Center in Piscataway.

The summit provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration to address the growing issue of food insecurity, which impacts 1.1 million residents statewide - almost 90,000 Middlesex County residents, including 20,000 children. Attendees heard from state leaders and subject matter experts on current legislation and initiatives, including the New Jersey Food Security Strategic Plan, and explored strategies to strengthen partnerships, expand access, and build long-term, sustainable solutions that ensure every resident has access to healthy, nutritious food.

Speakers included Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, and HSAC Chair Robert LaForgia, who highlighted the importance of collaboration and effective strategies to make food security a reality for everyone. The program also featured keynote presentations from Mark Dinglasan, Director of the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA); and Adele LaTourette, AVP Policy and Advocacy and Denyelle Burgess, Assistant Director of Advocacy Outreach of the Community Food Bank of NJ, alongside discussions with REPLENISH, Feeding Middlesex County, and local food pantries working on the frontlines of hunger relief.

"Food insecurity is one of the most pressing challenges facing our communities today," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. "Through events like this summit, we can bring together leaders, experts, and advocates to share knowledge and develop coordinated strategies to ensure that no resident in Middlesex County goes hungry. Together, we can make meaningful progress toward ending food insecurity and creating a healthier, stronger future for all."

"As Chair of the Community Services Committee, I know firsthand how many families in Middlesex County rely on the dedicated work of food pantries, food banks, and volunteers," said Middlesex County Commissioner Claribel A. Azcona-Barber, Chair of the Community Services Committee. "This summit is not only about understanding the scope of the issue - it's about building solutions and ensuring that every person has access to the basic necessity of food."

"Our commitment to this fight has been unrelenting, and you can see the rewards of our efforts taking shape in stronger families and healthier communities across the state," said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. "We are fortunate to have strong partnerships with local and county government, food banks, schools, farmers, and community organizations, and it is through that collaboration that we have been able to make real progress. In the Legislature, we have taken historic steps to expand school meals and support our food banks, and together we will continue building on that progress until hunger is no longer a part of our state's story."

"At REPLENISH, we understand that the most effective way to achieve food security is by working with our partners," said REPLENISH Director Jennifer Apostol. "Our priority is to facilitate collaboration that increases our collective impact, ensuring we not only provide food to those in need but also connect residents with additional social services that support long-term stability and well-being."

America's hunger crisis affects both urban and suburban communities. Rising food costs, supply chain disruptions, and cuts to the WIC program have intensified the struggle for families to put meals on the table. Middlesex County is taking proactive steps to meet these challenges, including funding programs like REPLENISH, supporting local food pantries, and partnering with community organizations to fight hunger at the root.

For more information on food assistance and resources, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/REPLENISH.

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