According to the Housing & Community Development Network of New Jersey, malnutrition and hunger have been persistent issues nationally and in New Jersey. Recently, the focus has shifted to understanding why these problems impact entire generations. A key factor is the availability of healthy food options and residents' access to them. Many low-income neighborhoods lack nearby healthy food vendors, forcing residents to rely on corner stores and bodegas that mostly sell junk food. Though survival on such diets is possible, they limit growth and development, especially for children.

The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) addresses these challenges through an integrated approach. As a community hub, we provide nutrition education programs, resources on healthy eating, and partner with local organizations to distribute fresh produce. Libraries also offer safe spaces where community members can connect with support services addressing food insecurity and hygiene. By leveraging our rol

A key part of our innovation is reimagining the resources we provide. JCFPL workshops not only address immediate food needs but also empower patrons to make healthier choices in the long-term. Recognizing that financial constraints can limit access; our program includes free produce and opportunities for people to grow their own food. Through strategic partnerships, we've built a comprehensive support system. Collaborating with the Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services, we offer mobile showers, laundry units, and Wi-Fi access. A grant from the Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services has allowed us to establish seed libraries, helping residents grow their own food and promoting self-sufficiency. Our work with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey supports hands-on nutrition workshops, while Aetna and Vegan Activist Alliance assist with food access. We also provide fitness classes to encourage physical activity for both the community and staff.

Since launching last fall. We have served over 450 community residents, 192 of them are part of our unhoused population. Community members are utilizing library spaces for their holistic wellness journey. We have taught nutrition and fitness classes at four of our branches and have offered the hygiene buses at two different library locations weekly. The community also has weekly free access to fresh produce at our Cunningham Branch. This is an initiative we want to expand throughout all our branches. We are also working on the well-being of our staff, offering free access to the calm app and occasional in-person mediation class.