The objective of this report was to better understand how the emergency food system works during a crisis. The research sought to identify networks and points of strength as well as areas to be strengthened to improve resiliency during an emergency.
Topic: Ralph W. Voorhees Public Service Fellows
Middlesex County Emergency Food System Covid-19 Pandemic Report
This report examines how emergency food providers in Middlesex County, New Jersey, changed their practices during the pandemic. The report looks at how food pantries navigated challenges related to food demand, supply, and distribution, and highlights the experiences...
Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on People, Pantries and Practices in the Emergency Food System
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the emergency food system, challenging a system that was already operating with few resources. Food pantries developed strategies to meet surging need while navigating COVID-19 safety challenges and dramatic shifts in...
Innovative Practices in Emergency Food Delivery
Ralph W. Voorhees Public Service Fellows Hina Arshad, Nashia Basit, Cassie Bolinger, Aiza Nageeb, Julien Rosenbloom with Evan Iacobucci, Planning and Public Policy Doctoral Program. During the Fall 2019 semester, Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach...
Food Insecurity in Middlesex County
Riley Link, Curtis McDaniel, Daniel Rodriguez, and Sabeen Rokerya, 2018 Ralph W. Voorhees Public Service Fellows, partnered with the Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services (MCFOODS) during the Fall 2018 semester to research food...
Healthy Food as Medicine? A Closer Look at Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Programs Across the Country.
Wholesome Wave created Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Programs (FVRx) in 2010 to help patients at risk of diet-related illness that can’t afford or access fresh/healthy food. With FVRx, participating clinics issue prescribe vouchers to food-insecure patients, which they will then redeem at local food retailers such as grocery stores and farmers markets.
Community Food Incubation and the Potential to Create Small Food Businesses in New Brunswick
New Brunswick is home to many current and future food business entrepreneurs. Some are home cooks who would like to start a food business. Others would like to expand their current businesses by selling from a food cart, food truck, or restaurant. Some cooks produce...
In the Garden: The Community Economic Potential of the Food System
Elijah’s Promise enlisted the Spring 2016 Community Development Studio at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University to explore the feasibility of expanding its apiculture, farm to table culinary training, and composting...
New Brunswick’s Emergency Food System Pantry Profile
The study of New Brunswick’s food pantries is the product of a partnership between the Feeding New Brunswick Network, a coalition of emergency food providers in New Brunswick, and the Ralph W. Voorhees Public Service Fellows, a group of undergraduate students at...
Improving Community Food Security in New Brunswick
The Fellows’ research provides insights about how organizations and individuals define community food security in New Brunswick, what activities they employ to improve it, and what barriers persist.
Recent Updates
Home Mortgage Lending in Camden, NJ 2018-2022 Report
This report examines patterns of home purchase and improvement mortgage originations, applications, and denials in Camden from 2018-2022, with some looks back to 2004 using Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data. The report provides a brief introduction to Camden....
RU Engaged Faculty Community of Practice Web Page Launch
The RU Engaged Faculty Community of Practice launched its new web page! RU Engaged is a Chancellor-funded effort to support community engaged teaching and learning. The project, led by Cara Cuite and Kathe Newman, includes the creation of a faculty community of those...
Fall 2026 Calendar of Events
Biannual Report
The Voorhees Center Biannual Report (January - June 2026) takes a retrospective look at our incredible research associates, affiliated faculty, research and more.
Lauren Nolan awarded Susan S. Fainstein Distinguished Doctoral Award
Lauren Nolan was awarded the Susan S. Fainstein Distinguished Doctoral Award for outstanding scholarship and excellence in doctoral research during this year's commencement ceremony.