Empowering Camden: American Water Charitable Foundation and New Jersey American Water Contribute $30,000 to The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation

In a powerful collaboration dedicated to making a positive impact, the American Water Charitable Foundation and New Jersey American Water have joined forces to contribute $30,000 to The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. This significant donation aims to combat food insecurity in the City of Camden, reflecting a shared commitment to community well-being and inclusivity.

The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization associated with American Water, has provided $25,000, while New Jersey American Water has generously contributed an additional $5,000. This substantial support bolsters The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation's flagship community outreach event, Get Ready Fest®.

Get Ready Fest® stands as a beacon of awareness for food insecurity and addresses various challenges faced by vulnerable communities. Families attending the event gain access to crucial resources spanning education, career readiness, housing, financial literacy, health and wellness, senior and veteran services, as well as COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. A highlight of the fest is the TMJF Pop-up Grocery store, ensuring families leave with 40 pounds of food—enough to sustain them for up to 10 days.

Carrie Williams, President of the American Water Charitable Foundation, expresses enthusiasm for the partnership with Malcolm Jenkins and The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. She emphasizes the foundation's strong commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity, echoing the shared passion for making a positive impact on communities served by American Water.

Gwendolyn V. Jenkins, President and CEO of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, extends heartfelt gratitude for the generosity of the American Water Charitable Foundation and New Jersey American Water. She highlights the significance of such contributions during challenging times when families are juggling the additional costs of school supplies, clothing, gas, and putting food on the table.

Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water, echoes this sentiment, expressing delight in the partnership with The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. He underscores their commitment to supporting organizations that enhance the quality of life in the communities they serve.

In a city where 65% of families experience hunger and nearly 37% live below the poverty line, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation has already made a substantial impact by serving over 10,000 families—equating to approximately 40,000 individuals. The recent contribution will undoubtedly further these efforts, making a meaningful difference in the ongoing fight against food insecurity in Camden.

What sets this collaboration apart is not just the financial support but also the active involvement of employees from both American Water and New Jersey American Water. Their hands-on participation in packing boxes, distributing food, and more exemplifies a genuine dedication to community outreach and improving the lives of those in need.

As the contributions flow into Camden, the collective efforts of the American Water Charitable Foundation, New Jersey American Water, and The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation stand as a testament to the positive change that can be achieved when organizations come together with a shared vision of creating brighter, more equitable futures for our communities.

TMJF launches Hunger Relief initiatives in Louisiana and New Jersey

As part of Hunger Action Month, TMJF helps combat food insecurity with initiatives to feed 40,000 children in South Jersey and hundreds of New Orleans’ families

September 21, 2020 - This week 2x Super Bowl Champion and 3x Pro-Bowl New Orleans Saints Safety Malcolm Jenkins and The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (TMJF) launched new hunger relief initiatives in New Orleans and South Jersey to support the fight against food insecurity. 

Since 2014, TMJF has conducted Get Ready Fest™, the Foundation’s signature community outreach event that provides hundreds of pre-identified families with food, health and wellness products and essential resources.  Due to the impact of COVID-19 on impoverished communities, The Foundation recognizes its’ importance to continue its hunger relief efforts and help those suffering from a lack of access to food and nutrition with an area of focus in New Orleans and South Jersey. 

GET READY FEST - FEEDING THE 504

As part of its 10th Anniversary year, TMJF initiated its “Get Ready Fest™ – Feeding the 504” in collaboration with the Winn-Dixie Gives Foundation, Second Harvest of South Louisiana and the Broadmoor Improvement Association Food Pantry. In light of the pandemic, an active hurricane season and the alarming fact that one in four children is suffering from food insecurity in Louisiana, TMJF is committed in their partnership to feed 504 families every month in the New Orleans community through the end of 2020. “Get Ready Fest™ – Feeding the 504” will allow the Broadmoor Food Pantry to double the number of families it serves on a monthly basis in the 504 area code, who are living in poverty-stricken conditions.

“Far too many children go to bed hungry, and the impact of Covid-19 has been devastating for families. ”

— — Malcolm Jenkins

#GIVE40

Additionally, the Foundation joins the Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) in their mission to combat food insecurity by donating $10,000 to the organization. Help is still needed. In South Jersey alone, 40,000 children are starting the school year facing hunger. The critical need for food assistance in these communities of South Jersey has sparked the Give40 to Help 40,000 Children initiative. Donors are encouraged to participate in Hunger Action Month along with TMJF, as it only takes $40 to provide 120 meals for food-insecure children.