FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 25, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:

Derek Sands

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BERGEN COUNTY OFFICE OF FOOD SECURITY RECEIVES NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Commends “No Wrong Door” Approach for Streamlining Client Access to Crucial Social Resources 

(HACKENSACK, N.J.) – County Executive Tedesco and the Board of Commissioners are proud to announce that the Bergen County Office of Food Security has received a National Association of Counties (NACo) 2024 Achievement Award in the Human Services category.

Since 1970, the NACo Achievement Awards have recognized outstanding county government programs and services. Through a non-competitive application process, noteworthy programs receive awards in 18 categories that cover a vast range of county responsibilities.

The 2024 NACo Achievement Awards commends the Office of Food Security for its “No Wrong Door” approach, which is a method that allows for streamlined access to necessary services and resources. Through strong client-provider relationships, mutual trust, and the utilization of technology and the referral database Oasis Insights, the Office of Food Security ensures that there is “no wrong door” a client can walk through to receive the help that they need.

“This NACo Achievement Award highlights the exceptional work of our Office of Food Security in addressing the needs of our residents,” said County Executive Jim Tedesco. ““The 'No Wrong Door' approach showcases the County’s commitment to providing accessible and comprehensive support to all residents in need.”

“This NACo Achievement Award is a testament to the collaboration of our community partners and our team at the Office of Food Security,” said Commissioner Tracy Zur, who initiated the Bergen County Food Security Task Force in 2020. “Our ‘No Wrong Door’ approach ensures that every resident has access to the resources they need without unnecessary barriers. This recognition underscores our commitment to addressing food insecurity and the broader social issues that impact our community.”

Founded in 2020 under the direction of Commissioner Tracy Zur as the Bergen County Food Security Task Force—a response to the unprecedented need resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Food Security has developed into a permanent office within the Bergen County Department of Human Services.

The Office of Food Security recognizes that food insecurity is often a symptom of broader social circumstances, and aims to alleviate hunger in Bergen County by starting at the source. The recognition by the National Association of Counties of the innovative “No Wrong Door” approach underscores the County of Bergen’s commitment to collaboration, accessibility, and putting the needs of residents at the forefront. # # #