Burlington County will be offering free home COVID - 19 test kits with groceries during this weekend’s food distribution event .
   The food distribution event will be held Saturday , April 23 , in the parking lot behind BCIT , 695 Woodlane Road , Westampton from 10 AM to noon . Families in need will be able to pick up free boxes of groceries and information about assistance programs . During the event , county staff will distribute free home COVID test kits on a first - come - first served basis while supplies last .
   The test kits were donated to the Burlington County Health Department by Amazon Fulfilment Centers and will also be distributed at the Burlington County Bring Health Home Fair on Friday .
   “We’ve made incredible progress in our battle against COVID - 19 and food insecurity , but we know the virus is still present and circulating and that some families are still struggling to afford food , ” said Burlington County Commissioner Felicia Hopson , the Board’s liaison to the Health Department and Department of Human Services . “We continue to provide food assistance monthly to those in need , and we’re also offering them free test kits as an additional layer of protection for vulnerable residents who might otherwise have difficulty accessing testing . ”
   Dr . Herb Conaway , director of the Burlington County Health Department , said the home test kits would also be distributed to homebound residents and to organizations that shelter and assist the homeless .
   “We’ve started to see a rise in local COVID cases , so we’re distributing these home test kits to individuals and families who want them in hope that it can help protect them and guard against further spread , ” Conaway said . “The kits can be used if someone develops symptoms , has a close exposure to someone with COVID or who plans to spend time indoors with someone who might be at high risk if they were to catch the coronavirus . We want all our residents to have all possible protection , including those families who are struggling financially . ”
   Burlington County has been distributing groceries and other food items to families in need since the pandemic started .  To date , more than 14 , 000 Burlington County residents have been aided by the program .
   State Senator Troy Singleton , who has volunteered at several of the monthly food events , commended the County’s ongoing efforts to deliver resources to families in need .
   “From the very beginning of the COVID - 19 pandemic , Burlington County has delivered resources and aid that local families desperately needed , including testing , vaccines and food assistance , ” Singleton said . “Even now as we move forward and learn to live with the virus , we know some families continue to face financial hardships , so it’s gratifying to see the County continue to be responsive and provide help for those who are most vulnerable . ” 
   During Saturday’s event , the Food Bank of South Jersey and social services volunteers will also help enroll individuals and families who may be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits .  
   More than 700 , 000 New Jersey residents currently receive SNAP benefits , or about 8% of the state’s population . However , many eligible families end up forgoing the assistance because they don’t apply for it .
   “It’s unacceptable for any child , adult or senior to go hungry or have to choose between adequate nutritious food and other necessities , ” said Hopson . “We’ve seen how our County’s monthly food distribution events can make a difference for families that are still struggling , but we’re also committed to helping those who are eligible to access SNAP benefits and that program’s assistance . ”
    
   Burlington County Commissioners Dan O’Connell and Felicia Hopson were among the volunteers at the County’s March food distribution event .
   

Press release information:

Direct link to press release: Click here .

Keywords and search queries from search engines related to the press release :