Salem City, NJ. – With a little over 75 hours left until the Government shuts down, Senator Kim spent the day in Salem City, NJ, having conversations with residents, elected officials, and community leaders on the ground to hear about the real struggles Salem continues to work through, even after years of local community work on the ground.**

“No one in a state like New Jersey should have to worry about having enough food to feed their families, and yet far too many in this area don’t even have a local grocery store they can depend on,” said Senator Andy Kim. “There is so much promise in places like Salem, but it will take all of us doing our part to invest locally, create more affordable housing options, and find long-term hunger solutions so that all who live here can do so with dignity.”

“Salem is a city with tremendous potential, but too many of our residents continue to struggle with affordable housing, food security, and limited economic opportunities,” said Salem Mayor, Jody Veler. “The Senator’s visit gave us the opportunity to share openly about these needs and to explore ways that federal, state, and local partners can work together for meaningful solutions. Our community deserves investment and attention, and we are encouraged by this step toward building a stronger and more hopeful future for the people of Salem.”

With an overwhelming number of residents currently on a wait list for housing assistance, Senator Kim spent the morning walking through the West Side Court public housing complex, talking to residents about what is needed to improve housing conditions, and their thoughts on how to improve housing affordability for all. Recognizing the dire housing crisis currently occurring throughout New Jersey, Senator Kim was crucial in pushing historic housing legislation through the Senate earlier this year, which would make home buying easier for all Americans, while also introducing legislation that would create more affordable housing.  

After its last grocery store shuttered in 2017, Salem is now considered a food desert, forcing residents to turn to community assistance and food pantries for daily needs. As a Senator committed to eliminating food insecurity in New Jersey, Senator Kim visited multiple food pantries in the city throughout the day. First, he stopped at a local hotel, The Motor Lodge, and its food pantry, which feeds residents who live at the hotel full-time. Senator Kim heard about the need for reliable food options for residents and the work this group has done to ensure those who live there have support when needed. Roughly 30 people were provided food throughout Senator Kim’s visit. 

Later in the day, he spent time with Pastor Johnson, head of St. John’s Pentecostal Outreach Church Food Bank, the city’s main food resource for its residents. As Senator, Senator Kim has worked to counter children’s hunger by introducing legislation that would provide nutritious meals to children during the summer, a time when children often lose access to reliable meals at school.  

“Salem City is a food desert, but we have Faith, Hope and Love, and partners helping us with food insecurity,” said Pastor Sonita D. Johnson, Executive Director, St. John’s Pentecostal Outreach Church. “We are feeding children, entire families and even our staff. Senator Kim’s visit and the leadership of our Mayor Jody Veler will shed more light on these issues and work towards strategies to help families become self -sufficient.”

A city that is committed to its future success, Senator Kim walked through Salem’s downtown district. They discussed the issues of securing businesses here, and why local investment is so vital to New Jersey’s long-term success. Senator Kim’s day in Salem concluded at the city’s newly opened Salem Arts building, a community center that is ready to train future workers in restoration, construction, and molding, as well as be a communal space where anyone, regardless of gender, age, or identity, is welcome.   

Before being elected to the U.S. Senate, Kim represented New Jersey’s Third Congressional District in the U.S. House and was a career public servant working in national security and diplomacy at the White House, State Department, and Pentagon. Learn more about Senator Kim’s service on behalf of New Jersey here. 

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