Burlington County Offers Food Distribution, COVID-19 Vaccine

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Burlington County will provide free COVID-19 vaccines during its drive-up food distribution event this week.

The event will take place at the Burlington County Institute of Technology, 695 Woodlane Road in Westampton, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.

The county has held drive-thru food pantry events monthly in partnership with the Food Bank of South Jersey since the pandemic began, but this month’s event is the first scheduled for evening hours on a weekday. Officials said they made the change to try to reach families who are unable to attend the events on weekends.

“For over a year, our County has partnered with the Food Bank of South Jersey to provide individuals and families in need healthy groceries free of charge,” Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson said. “We started the program because we saw how the pandemic was impacting many county residents finances, and we’ve heard how this help has made the difference between parents, children or grandparents going hungry or sacrificing other necessities. While the pandemic is now in decline, we know that hunger continues to be an issue for far too many here, which is why we’re continuing these monthly food events.”

The event is first-come, first-serve, and attendees must wear masks. Drivers will pull up and pop open their truck, so workers can place food boxes inside. Children’s meals will be available.

“Many of the residents struggling with food insecurity may also be among those who still haven’t been vaccinated, so we’re making vaccine available,” Hopson said. “More than 53 percent of Burlington County residents 12 or older have now been fully vaccinated, and we’re seeing the benefits of the protection on our COVID-19 cases. But we won’t rest until everyone who wants a vaccine receives one.”

Volunteers from the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, the Burlington County Department of Human Services, the Burlington County Health Department and the Burlington County Medical Reserve Corps will assist at both the food distribution event and vaccination clinic.

Anyone who needs more help can call 609-265-3120.