Just over a year into her leadership role at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), Elizabeth McCarthy has quickly adapted to the world of hunger relief, all while bringing her unique approach to the organization. McCarthy, who became President and CEO of CFBNJ in July of 2023, came from a background in multi-service nonprofits. During the pandemic, she worked with organizations that combined food distribution with other social services, an experience that resonated with her and ultimately drew her to food banking.

“That’s exactly what I wanted to get involved in,” McCarthy shared, expressing her desire to pair food distribution with other critical services—a growing trend in hunger relief efforts.

One of McCarthy’s first major projects was the launch of Unity Pantry, a CFBNJ run pantry co-located with other organizations offering low and no cost healthcare, subsidized mental health services, and education programs such as Head Start. Strategically placed near public transportation and designed to serve a previously underserved area, the pantry also provides extended hours and assistance with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) sign-ups.

McCarthy has also immersed herself in addressing the core goals of CFBNJ’s strategic plan. One of the key priorities she inherited was ensuring that the food bank operates as a dependable and reliable partner to its roughly 400 agency partners and 400 program partners. This includes accurate order fulfillment and on time deliveries – an essential goal given the scale of CFBNJ’s operations.

To meet these goals, the food bank is investing in new automation for its warehouse, as well as routing and reporting software for its truck fleet. Data mapping is also being utilized to help the organization better understand how its current network of agencies aligns with the areas of highest need throughout its 11 county service area.

Under McCarthy’s leadership, CFBNJ has also introduced a Partner Collaboration Council, a group of about 35 agency partners who meet regularly to discuss a wide range of issues. This initiative, along with county-wide listening sessions held via Zoom, provides a forum for partners to share feedback on the food bank’s performance. Additionally, CFBNJ is phasing in short, quarterly “pulse” surveys that will allow partners to rate how well the food bank is meeting their needs. “I like when people tell me what we’re not doing well because it gives us a chance to address it,” McCarthy said. “We really want to be a reliable partner.”

While expanding its capacity is necessary, McCarthy is taking a measured approach to growing CFBNJ’s physical footprint. The food bank is already renting additional space to accommodate cold storage, but McCarthy emphasizes that minimizing the need for warehousing food is a key goal. CFBNJ has formed partnerships with about 30 local farmers and other producers, focusing on moving food directly from producers to partner agencies. This reduces the need for warehousing and ensures that produce reaches people faster. “A partner can pick it up in the morning and hand it out to neighbors in the afternoon,” McCarthy explained.

Other strategies include identifying larger pantries that can distribute food to smaller ones nearby, and arranging for produce distributors in distant regions to deliver directly to local partners rather than shipping food to the central warehouse. These logistical improvements are being factored into CFBNJ’s long-term warehouse plan, as the organization weighs its options for renovating or moving.

Beyond logistics, McCarthy inherited and expanded several key programs, including a workforce training initiative. This now includes a course on warehouse logistics, in addition to culinary training. Both programs are offered free of charge, with the food bank providing transportation assistance to students. CFBNJ has also introduced a new nutrition policy, developed in collaboration with the Partner Collaboration Council, which encourages agencies to prioritize healthier food options.

Health initiatives are another area of focus. The Food Health Hope initiative, launched in partnership with a local healthcare provider, screens individuals for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension and provides them with healthy food and produce boxes. Nearly 7,000 boxes were distributed last year, but based on an evaluation of the program, McCarthy believes the real value lies in the health screenings and initial nutrition education. “What really matters most is the screening and the initial nutrition education,” she noted, adding that the program may shift its emphasis accordingly.

While focusing on food distribution remains a critical aspect of CFBNJ’s mission, McCarthy’s vision extends beyond simply handing out meals. She is focused on addressing the broader challenges people face. “As much as we’re very proud of distributing over 100 million pounds of food, that’s not the answer in the long run,” McCarthy said. “When people come to us, we’re not just handing them food and saying goodbye. We’re asking, ‘What else in your life do you need help with?’”

Her leadership is ushering in a new era for the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, where hunger relief is integrated with comprehensive social services aimed at fostering long-term stability for those in need.