Long-time community partner to administer program bringing fresh fruits and vegetables to Camden City residents
(CAMDEN) — Assemblyman Gilbert “Whip” Wilson (D-Camden/Gloucester) applauds Camden City Mayor and Council for choosing the Camden Children’s Garden to administer the “New Jersey Fresh Mobiles Pilot Program.” According to a resolution passed by the council last night, the Children’s Garden will coordinate with vendors state-wide to provide seasonal Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables to the city.
“This is a huge step toward making Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables readily available in Camden City year-round,” said Assemblyman Wilson, who drafted the legislation that created the pilot program. “A healthy diet is an important building block to a healthy lifestyle, and making more nutritious options accessible to residents has been a priority of mine.”
The resolution must be approved by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA); once formalized by the city, the program may begin at the Garden’s earliest convenience.
The Children’s Garden will also report to the Department of Agriculture on the feasibility and success of the program. The Department will use the results of this pilot in their decision to expand to other urban deserts – areas of the state where fresh produce is not readily available.
“The Camden Children’s Garden is a natural choice for this program,” commended Assemblyman Wilson. “The group has been a staple of the community for nearly thirty years, and a main part of their mission has been to educate the residents on ways to improve their nutrition and the importance of fresh produce in their diet.”
Walmart has committed funds to the Children’s Garden toward the purchase of the mobile unit the non-profit will dispense the produce at different locations throughout the Camden.
Senator Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Gloucester) sponsored the “New Jersey Fresh Mobiles Pilot Program” in the Senate and was instrumental in moving the bill through the legislative process.