New Jersey Credit Unions Food Cooperative
Our Food Cooperative helps replenish the shelves of local food pantries and organizations throughout New Jersey through credit union collaboration!
Credit Unions were established to serve their communities beyond the financial products and services they offer.
Affinity, EdiFi, and First Harvest Credit Unions Lead Food Drive Initiative
First Harvest Credit Union, Affinity Federal Credit Union, and EdiFi Credit Union, shared the results of the third annual New Jersey Credit Unions Food Cooperative, which united 17 credit unions throughout the state. This year’s participating credit unions successfully collected and donated over 5,500 pounds of essential food items in total to support over two dozen food pantries and organizations throughout 16 New Jersey counties.The collection period specifically targeted the heightened need for food during the summer months, when many children lose access to school-provided meals while on break. The New Jersey Credit Unions Food Cooperative helped replenish the shelves of local food pantries and organizations as a result of the increased need.
2026 Participating NJ Credit Unions included:
- Affinity Federal Credit Union (Co-Sponsor)
- Edifi Credit Union (Co-Sponsor)
- First Harvest Credit Union (Co-Sponsor)
- ACE Federal Credit Union
- Advanced Financial Federal Credit Union
- Bay Atlantic Federal Credit Union
- County Excellence Federal Credit Union
- Deepwater Industries Federal Credit Union
- Elizabeth, NJ Firemen’s Federal Credit Union
- Healthcare Employees Federal Credit Union
- Manville Area Federal Credit Union
- Members 1st of NJ Federal Credit Union
- Motion Federal Credit Union
- Princeton Federal Credit Union
- Ridgedale Federal Credit Union
- Seaport Federal Credit Union
- The Atlantic Federal Credit Union
New Jersey Quick Facts
1.1 Million NJ Residents Face Food Insecurity
According to 2023 reporting from the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate, the average food insecurity rate was 11.7%.
Our Children are Facing the Greatest Need
From 2020 to 2023, the rate of food insecurity among New Jersey children under the age of 18 increased from 9.0% to 13.4%.
Food Deserts Impact 1.5 Million+ Residents
The top 50 food deserts identified by New Jersey Economic Development Authority are largely located within the Food Cooperative’s footprint.
How to Donate!
Our 2026 collection period is now closed.
Each year, we encourage the community to visit a participating credit union branch to drop off donations, which will directly support food pantries and organizations within their local communities.
Canned fruits, vegetables, soups, and protein
Instant potatoes and whole grain pasta and rice
Low-sugar cereals
Find a First Harvest Branch Near You!
Credit Union Impact
“As not-for-profit credit unions, we see firsthand that change is strongest when it is driven by collective effort. Across New Jersey’s rural, urban, and suburban communities, food inequity and affordability challenges continue to affect too many of our neighbors. By coming together around a shared purpose, credit unions can combine our resources, reach, and commitment to create a greater impact than any one organization could achieve alone. This united effort reflects our member-driven mission and our shared responsibility to support the communities that need us most.”
– Mike Dinneen, First Harvest President & CEO
