(Perth Amboy) – Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez has partnered with FeedNJ to provide hundreds of meals to Perth Amboy residents during COVID-19 outbreak.

FeedNJ, a campaign being run by local non-profit Soup Kitchen 411, kicked-off in mid-April in response to the increased demand at local soup kitchens around the state. The goal of the campaign is not only to provide food to local soup kitchens in a time of increased need, but also to help support local restaurants, many of whom are facing long-term economic uncertainty due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Assemblywoman Lopez’ running mate, Speaker Craig Coughlin, serves as a Co-Chair for the FeedNJ Campaign.

“The unique design of FeedNJ allows the organization to not only help distribute food to residents in need but also provides crucial business to restaurants that are experiencing hardship due to COVID19,” said Assemblywoman Lopez.”It was important to me to identify restaurants in my hometown that could help in this endeavor to support nonprofits that are acting as safety nets throughout the pandemic.”

“I want to thank Assemblywoman Lopez for being such an instrumental partner in this campaign,” said Speaker Coughlin. “When we look around the state, we know Perth Amboy is one of the communities that has been the hardest hit by the COVID-19 outbreak.”

Assemblywoman Lopez and FeedNJ identified Torres Café, Mena International and Hatch 44 to provide meals, while the Salvation Army, Hogar Crea and Renovation House have been the nonprofits who have partnered with FeedNJ thus far.

Since the start of this partnership, over 520 meals have been provided and another 1,210 meals are scheduled.

Harry Pozycki, a long-time Perth Amboy resident and founder/current chairman of the Citizens Campaign has stepped in to help fund the program’s operations in Perth Amboy.

“I and my family are thankful for the Feed NJ program, said Harry Pozycki, Esq. This program is helping not only our residents but also supporting our local restaurants. We are honored to play a small part of this effort.”

“We need to find creative ways to support vulnerable residents and our small business community and FeedNJ does both,” said Assemblywoman Lopez.

Building on the success of FeedNJ in Perth Amboy, Assemblywoman Lopez hopes to continue seeking donations to ensure no Perth Amboy resident goes hungry.