Construction has formally started on an all-new 7,500 square foot building at Camden County’s Lakeland Campus, which will be home to the Camden County Center for Community Nutrition.
The $5 million project aims to combat food insecurity in Camden County through the Meals on Wheels program.
Camden County officials approved the project last fall to expand upon the County’s growing need for home delivered meals to residents.
The new space will support meal assembly and distribution services for the home delivery program, food storage (refrigerated, frozen and dry goods) as well as areas for supporting staff.
In the press release from last fall, Camden County stated that at the time the program served more than 2,000 clients, which was 846 more than the prior year (and is expected to grow). Additionally, the three existing sites in Lawnside, Blackwood and Pine Hill are at max capacity.
Food insecurity is an unfortunate obstacle that too many of our residents are struggling with. This facility will allow our meal services to run smoother and reach more residents, as we take on more and more clients by the year. With a larger and more high-tech facility, we have a real shot at knocking out food insecurity within our county.
Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr
The location for the new Community Nutrition building is listed as 508 Lakeland Road, but the construction clearing and entrance is on County House Road, situated between the County offices and the Youth Detention Center.
Previously the property was an undeveloped field and had been used at times as the Camden County Fairgrounds, hosting several County Fair family carnival events.
The building will be named after Lawnside Mayor Mary Ann Wardlow, who as a tireless nutrition activist has been a long time organizer and advocate for the Meals on Wheels programs… including being instrumental in creating a site offering nutritional programs to her own town, at the Wayne Bryant Community Center.
This program is a lifeline to our residents on a regular day, but during COVID Meals on Wheels became a life-or-death service for our seniors and our neighbors with disabilities. I want to thank the county for this honor, and I could not be prouder to have my name on a building serving such a critical service in our community.
Lawnside Mayor Mary Ann Wardlow
The project was funded by a combination of Community Development Block Grants, American Rescue Plan funds and a grant from Congressman Donald Norcross.
It is estimated that by 2025, the Camden County Nutrition Hub will be serving 300,000 meals per year.
I’m proud to have secured funding to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. Camden County has done great work to tackle food insecurity. This new and improved nutrition hub facility will expand the reach of the current food program and better serve families and seniors throughout our community. I will continue to fight in Congress for funding to reduce food insecurity in South Jersey and around the nation.
Congressman Donald Norcross
Links and Location
Camden County Center for Community Nutrition
508 Lakeland Road
Gloucester Township NJ