The Junior League of Summit is proud to announce that it received a $20,000 grant from the George W. Bauer Family Foundation to support its signature community outreach project, GRACE’s Refrigerator. These funds will be used to purchase fresh, healthy foods for local families that would not otherwise be able to purchase for themselves.
GRACE, which stands for Giving and Receiving Assistance for Our Community’s Essentials, was founded in 2016 by member and Summit local Amanda Parrish Block. The program was launched following research into the issue of food insecurity and the revelation that one in six Summit public school students is lacking access to fresh, nutritious foods. We believe that creating better communities starts with food and everyone should have the opportunity to shop for and enjoy healthy foods needed to fuel their minds and bodies. The GRACE program is making an enormous impact in our community and the momentum is strong. We rely on the efforts of volunteers and donations to continue providing these essentials.
GRACE’s Refrigerator is open weekly and offers nutrient-dense produce, dairy, and prepared food which is sourced from the Summit Farmers Market, local businesses, and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. On average, 72 families depend on the community refrigerator each week. Since its inception, it has served 117,190 pounds of fresh produce, dairy, eggs, and bagels to 18,125 individuals, including 9,529 children and 822 senior citizens.
The Junior League of Summit is a nonprofit, charitable, and educational organization of women who are committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. For more information about the Junior League of Summit, to donate, or to inquire about becoming a member, please visit the website at jlsummit.org or contact the office at 908-273-7349.
