Listen to this articleThe basics:
- DoorDash donated $17,000 in gift cards to support NJ Boys & Girls Clubs
- Partnership helps fund programs statewide during Hunger Action Month
- Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and NJ Office of Food Security Advocate participated
- Event included healthy eating activities and interactive cooking demonstrations
To mark Hunger Action Month, a community event took place Sept. 26 at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County‘s Trenton Clubhouse.
In addition to the Boys & Girls Clubs, the event included Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-19th District; New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA) and DoorDash, which donated $17,000 in gift cards to the Boys & Girls Clubs. The contribution comes through the food delivery platform’s Community Credits program.
Those funds will support programming statewide for the Clubs, as well as help families access meals and other essentials. This year marks the third year of partnership between DoorDash and the Boys & Girls Clubs. During that span, the technology company has donated $51,000 in Community Credits.
Critical support
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey and ensure that more young people across the state can access the healthy meals and essentials they need to thrive,” said Kassandra Perez-Desir, DoorDash’s head of government relations in New York and New Jersey. “Our Community Credits program empowers organizations with additional resources to strengthen their programs and reach more of their communities.”
Reggie Coleman is president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County. Coleman said the organization was proud to host the Hunger Action Month Celebration at the Trenton Clubhouse, “where young people learn every day about healthy eating and nutrition.”
“DoorDash’s support through the Community Credits program helps us extend that learning beyond the Clubhouse, making it possible for more young people and their families to find nutritious food and everyday essentials,” said Coleman.
Our Community Credits program empowers organizations with additional resources to strengthen their programs and reach more of their communities.
— Kassandra Perez-Desir, head of government relations in New York and New Jersey, DoorDash
State Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey Susan Haspel said that the organization is deeply committed to ensuring that every young person has the nourishment and support they need.
“This partnership with DoorDash provides critical resources for our Clubs and the young people we serve, and we’re grateful to Speaker Coughlin for his leadership in prioritizing the fight against hunger in New Jersey,” said Haspel.
Coughlin said, “Boys & Girls Clubs across New Jersey have always been a place where young people can grow, discover opportunities, and reach their full potential. But no child can truly thrive if they are facing the uncertainty of hunger.”
Working together
The event featured activities focused on healthy eating and nutrition, such as an interactive cooking demonstration led by the Club’s culinary staff.
The Assembly speaker described food insecurity as one of the most consequential issues of our time.
“And the work being done here in Mercer County to fight hunger and build health habits shows just how vital these Clubs are to our communities,” said Coughlin. “By expanding access to meals and surrounding kids with the support they need, we are making sure no family has to live in a state where access to food is out of reach.”
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin speaks more about food insecurity:
It’s Hunger Action Month, and I’ve been traveling the state meeting food bank staff and volunteers leading the fight against hunger. Because of their efforts, families find hope, children can focus on learning, and seniors get to live with dignity. My deepest thanks to you all. pic.twitter.com/ncEeMMde1I
— Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (@SpeakerCoughlin) September 16, 2025
Mark Dinglasan serves as executive director of NJ OFSA. He said ending food insecurity in New Jersey will take collaboration at every level.
“Today’s event shows how government leaders, local organizations, and private sector partners can come together to tackle pressing issues in our communities,” said Dinglasan. “We commend the Boys & Girls Clubs and DoorDash for their commitment, and to Speaker Coughlin for his leadership to eliminate hunger in the Garden State.”
