>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS IS PROVIDED BY NJM INSURANCE GROUP.

HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

THE PSEG FOUNDATION AND BY THE FUEL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY AND -- >>> FROM NJ PBS THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> THAT EVENING AT THE HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US ON RAVEN SANTANA.

WITH MILLIONS VACCINATED AND MUCH DIFFERENT REALITY THAN LAST YEAR MANY OF US WILL ENJOY GATHERING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR A HOT MEAL.

BUT THERE ARE STILL MORE THAN 1.2 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE STATE WHO ARE EXPERIENCING FOOD INSECURITY.

A STAGGERING NUMBER THAT HAS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BECAUSE OF COVID 19.

THROUGHOUT THE PEDIMENT NONPROFITS HAVE BEEN PROVIDING SUPPORT TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO CONTINUE TO STRUGGLE TO HAVE ACCESS TO FOOD.

MELISSA ROSE COOPER EXPLAINS MORE ON HOW FOOD INSECURITY HAS BEEN EXACERBATED BY THE PANDEMIC.

>> Reporter: ROBERT HAS BEEN COMING TO THIS SALVATION ARMY IN MONTCLAIR ON THANKSGIVING FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS.

>> THE PEOPLE THE STAFF WHO HELP ME OUT WITH MY SITUATION -- I APPRECIATE THAT.

I'M STILL ON THIS EARTH 54 YEARS YOUNG.

>> Reporter: FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO LIKE HIMSELF WHO HAVE NOWHERE TO GO GETTING A HOT THANKSGIVING MEAL COMPLETE WITH TURKEY AND ALL THE FIXINGS MEAN SO MUCH.

>> I FEEL MORE THAN APPRECIATIVE.

I'M VERY HUMBLE.

I TRIED TO KEEP THAT PASS IT ON TO OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOWHERE TO GO.

LET THEM KNOW THAT THEY ARE NOT ALONE.

>> Reporter: THE SALVATION ARMY IS DOING ITS PART TO MAKE SURE EVERY NEW JERSEY AND HAS A SEAT AT THE TABLE THIS THANKSGIVING.

FOR THE PAST SEVERAL DAYS THEY HAVE BEEN PROVIDING FREE HOLIDAY MEALS TO PEOPLE AT DIFFERENT SITES ACROSS THE STATE.

AND TODAY ON THANKSGIVING THERE GIVING ANYONE IN NEED THE CHANCE TO HAVE A SITDOWN DINNER AT THIS LOCATION AND MONTCLAIR.

A COMMUNITY DEALING WITH HIS OWN CHALLENGES.

>> IT IS ONE OF THE GREAT MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT MONTCLAIR.

IT IS AN AFFLUENT COMMUNITY BUT WE HAVE A HOMELESS PUBLISHER.

THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT WE SEE AND LOVE AND WORK WITH EVERYDAY.

WE KNOW THEY ARE HERE.

THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT ARE HOMELESS THAT ARE HUNGRY THAT MAY HAVE A PLACE TO LIVE BUT THEY ARE LIVING PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK.

MAYBE EVEN MORE SO IN THE PANDEMIC.

HOW MANY PEOPLE LOST INCOME -- WE SAW PEOPLE COMING INTO US THAT HAVE NEVER HAD TO ASK FOR HELP BEFORE.

THEY ALMOST DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO OR WHERE TO GO.

WE WERE SO GLAD TO BE AVAILABLE TO THAT CLIENTELE THAT GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT REALLY NEEDED SOMEBODY BUT DID NOT KNOW WHERE TO GO.

>> Reporter: THE DINNER IS JUST ONE OF THE SALVATION ARMY'S INITIATIVES TO HELP PEOPLE IN NEED.

THE ORGANIZATION SAID IT HAS SEEN AN UPTICK IN FOOD INSECURITY SINCE THE START OF THE PANDEMIC.

OVER THE LAST 20 MONTHS NUMBERS HAVE SERVED MORE THAN 12.2 MILLION MEALS.>> I FEEL THANKSGIVING ACTUALLY IF PEOPLE ARE COMING HERE FOR A MEAL, THEY NEED THE MAIL.

NOT ONLY FOR THE FOOD AND NOURISHMENT BUT ALSO IT IS A SENSE OF COMMUNITY.

LIKE I SAID VOLUNTEERS HAVE BEEN COMING A TRADITION.

OUR GUESS THE COME IN HERE.

IT IS THEY ARE GATHERING.

IT IS THEIR FAMILY.

WE HAVE BECOME THEIR FAMILY.

IT IS A NICE ATMOSPHERE.

>> Reporter: OVER 762,000 PEOPLE IN NEW JERSEY ARE FACING HUNGER.

THAT IS 1 IN EVERY 12 PEOPLE.

WITH MANY FAMILY STILL FACING HARDSHIP BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC AS WELL AS THE EFFECTS OF HURRICANE IDA VOLUNTEERS ARE HAPPY TO DO WHATEVER THEY CAN TO HELP.

>> YOU CAN CRY EVERY SINGLE TIME.

IT IS SO AMAZING THAT I GET TO DO THIS.

IT IS SUCH A BLESSING TO BE ABLE TO HELP THE COMMUNITY AND WITH SUCH A BEAUTIFUL ORGANIZATION AT THE SALVATION ARMY.

IT MAKES ME FEEL REALLY GOOD.

>> Reporter: THE FIRST THANKSGIVING SINCE THE PANDEMIC STARTED MANY PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO GATHER LIKE THIS.

ORGANIZERS SAY IT WAS IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE NO ONE WAS LEFT OUT.

>> THE MEAL IS ALL HOMEMADE.

YOU DON'T WANT TO SERVE SOMETHING OUT OF A CAN.

YOU WANT TO HAVE IT IT IS ANYTHING ANY OF US WOULD EAT AT A RESTAURANT.

I'M PROUD OF THAT.

>> THERE ARE SOME STILL FEARFUL ABOUT BEING IN CROWDS OF PEOPLE.

THOSE THAT ARE NOT FEARFUL MAYBE THOSE THAT FEEL SAFE BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN VACCINATED OR TAKEN THE PRECAUTIONS, REALLY WANT TO BE WITH PEOPLE.

THEY WANT TO BE IN PLACES WHERE OTHER PEOPLE ARE.

DOING THE THINGS WE ALL USED TO DO BEFORE WE HAD TO THINK ABOUT THESE KIND OF THINGS.

AGAIN IT IS REALLY HARD TO TELL.

WE JUST KNOW THERE IS STILL A NEED.

PEOPLE THAT COME TO US AND PEOPLE THAT ARE RELYING ON US.

>> Reporter: EVEN FELT THANKSGIVING IS ONE DAY GUESS TO SAY TODAY'S MAIL IS SOMETHING THEY WILL BE THANKFUL FOR FOREVER.>>> NEW JERSEY'S FOOD BANKS ARE FILLING THE STRAIN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

THE NEED FOR FOOD ASSISTANCE USUALLY HITS A PEAK AROUND THIS TIME OF YEAR.

BUT FOOD BANKS ARE COPING WITH EVEN MORE DEMAND THIS YEAR DUE TO THE LINGERING EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC.

AND THEY ARE BEING HIT WITH A DOUBLE WHAMMY.

MORE CLIENTS WHO CANNOT AFFORD SUPERMARKET PRICES PLUS SHORTAGES ON MANY FOOD ITEMS THANKS TO GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS.

JOHN JOINS ME NOW TO BREAK IT DOWN.

>> JOHN THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

WHAT IS THE NEED FOR FOOD ASSISTANCE LOOKING LIKE THIS YEAR?

>> IT IS VERY HIGH.

IT HAS BEEN QUITE HIGH SINCE THE PANDEMIC BEGAN AS WE ALL KNOW.

WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW IS THE ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC ARE PERSISTING EVEN THOUGH INFECTION RATES ARE DECLINING AND PEOPLE MORE PEOPLE ARE GOING BACK TO WORK.

AND SO ONE OF THE EFFECTS THAT WE ARE SEEING NOW AND THANKSGIVING IS THAT THERE IS A BIG INCREASE IN FOR EXAMPLE THE NUMBER OF TURKEYS THAT HAVE BEEN GIVEN OUT BY NEW JERSEY'S FOOD BANKS.

THE COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF NEW JERSEY WHICH IS THE STATE'S LARGEST SAID IT HAS GIVEN OUT 70,000 TURKEYS THIS YEAR WHICH IS ABOUT TWICE AS MANY AS IT DID FOR THANKSGIVING IN 2020.

ANOTHER FOOD BANK DOWN IN SOUTH JERSEY THAT COVERS 4 COUNTIES SAID IT HAS DISTRIBUTED ABOUT 1 1/2 MILLION POUNDS OF FOOD JUST IN NOVEMBER WHICH IS ABOUT 250,000 POUNDS MORE THAN EXPECTED TO.

THOSE ARE TWO PRETTY VIVID EXAMPLES OF WHAT IS GOING ON.

>> WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING FOOD BANKS TRYING TO MEET THAT NEED?

>> THERE ARE ARE ESSENTIALLY TWO THINGS GOING ON.

ONE IS MUCH HIGHER PRICES FOR ALL KINDS OF FOODSTUFFS.

AND THE EFFECT THAT HAS TWO EFFECTS.

IT MAKES IT HARDER FOR PEOPLE TO BUY THE FOOD THEY NEED IN SUPERMARKETS.

SO THEREFORE SOME PEOPLE WILL TURN TO FOOD BANKS FOR ASSISTANCE TO TOP UP THEIR GROCERY BASKET.

THE OTHER FACTOR IS THAT IT IS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES COSTS FOR THE FOOD BANKS THEMSELVES.

THAT ARE HAVING TO BUY MORE OF THEIR OWN FOOD THAN THEY DID BEFORE THE PANDEMIC.

>> DOES THE HIGHER COST OF FOOD HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH SUPPLY SHORTAGES?

>> YES INDEED IT DOES.

THE GOVERNMENT SAID THERE IS A WHOLE REASON RANGE OF REASONS FOR THAT RANGING FROM LABOR SHORTAGES, TO HIGHER COSTS FOR FEEDSTUFFS WHICH OF COURSE WORKED THEIR WAY THROUGH THE SUPPLY CHAIN.

AND ALL OF WHICH MAKES IT SOME OF THESE FOODSTUFFS SCARES.

I WAS TALKING TO ONE FOOD PANTRY IN PATTERSON, AND THE MANAGER THERE AND SAID HE WANTED -- HE HAS THE MONEY TO BUY MORE TURKEYS.

BUT HE JUST CANNOT GET THEM.

SO THE RESULT THIS YEAR IS THAT HE HAS HAD A BIG SHORTAGE IN THE NUMBER OF TURKEYS THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISTRIBUTE.

>> FINALLY JOHN, HAVE A FOOD BANKS GOTTEN ANY FINANCIAL HELP RECENTLY TO OFFSET SOME OF THESE NEW COSTS?

>> YES THEY HAVE.

THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY ABOUT A WEEK AGO ANNOUNCED ABOUT A 10 MILLION DOLLARS TO ABOUT FIVE OR SIX FOOD BANKS IN NEW JERSEY.

AND THEY TELL ME THAT IS A SIGNIFICANT HELP.

IN ALLOWING THEM TO MEET THIS INCREASED DEMAND.

>> THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING WITH US AND JOINING US THIS THANKSGIVING.

>> YOU ARE WELCOME.

>>> A COLLEGE STUDENT FROM -- HAS TURNED HER GARAGE INTO A COMMAND CENTER FOR THANKSGIVING BASKETS.

THE ACT OF KINDNESS STARTED AFTER SHE SAW A NEED IN HER COMMUNITY 4 YEARS AGO.

THE DEMAND WITH BASKETS FILLED WITH FOODS AND NECESSITIES HAS GROWN SO MUCH SHE CREATED THE NONPROFIT BASKETS FOR NEIGHBORS.

JOANNA REPORTS AS PART OF OUR ONGOING SERIES HUNGER IN NEW JERSEY.

>> Reporter: KNOCK ON THE DOOR THANKSGIVING WAS LOOKING PRETTY BLEAK FOR CARMELLA WHO IS LIVING IN A HOTEL JUST OFF ROUTE ONE.

BUT A BASKET OR TWO FROM HER NEIGHBORS TURNED THAT ALL AROUND.

>> THIS IS ALL FOR YOU.>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> YOU ARE WELCOME >> IF IT WASN'T FOR YOU GUYS -- >> Reporter: ONE-STOP OF MANY FOR THE SISTERS.

THEY ARE DELIVERING GROCERIES TO FAMILIES IN NEED THROUGH THEIR NONPROFIT BASKETS FOR NEIGHBORS.

IT ALL STARTED AFTER THE GIRLS WERE MOVED TO ACTION ON A MISSIONS TRIP TO HAITI.

>> IT OPENS MY ICE TO POVERTY IN MY OWN COMMUNITY.

I WANTED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

WE WANTED TO DO SOMETHING WHERE WE COULD HELP PROVIDE FOOD TO PEOPLE AND THEY DID NOT HAVE TO WAIT IN THE COLD.

WE COULD GO AND DELIVER THESE BASKETS TO THEIR HOME.>> I'M GOING THROUGH HARD TIMES.

ONCE I CALL THEM THEY WERE THERE FOR ME.

A LITTLE SAD BECAUSE I'M ALONE.

BUT AT LEAST I GOT FOOD.>> WE HAVE THE MAIN NECESSITIES LIKE PASTA RICE VEGGIES.

WE HAVE SNACKS ESPECIALLY FOR FAMILIES WHO HAVE KIDS.

WE HAVE SOME JUICES.

SOMETIMES WE EVEN HAVE PERSONAL CARE ITEMS LIKE DEODORANT SOAP AND SOCKS.

WHATEVER DONATIONS WE CAN GIVE.

>> Reporter: AND OF COURSE TURKEYS FOR EVERY FAMILY.

THEY STARTED IN 2017 BUT THIS YEAR THEY HAVE SEEN THE NEED GROW EXPONENTIALLY.

>> SINCE COVID WE HAVE SEEN THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE IN NEED PROBABLY TRIPLE.

FROM KIDS WHO LOST PARENTS TO COVID TO FAMILIES OUT OF WORK BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC.

WE OFTEN HEAR ABOUT THESE CASES FROM OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> WE HAVE MADE CONNECTIONS THROUGH FOOD PANTRIES.

MOSTLY PEOPLE WHO HAVE OUR SOCIAL MEDIA.

THEY ARE LIKE WOW I CAN MAKE EVERY MECHANIZATION.

HOPEFULLY THEY WILL TAKE HIM UP ON IT.

AND WE DO TAKE UP ON IT AND TAKE AS MANY RECOMMENDATIONS AS POSSIBLE.

>> Reporter: THEY TAKE AS MANY DONATIONS AS POSSIBLE.

>> MOST DONATIONS COME FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL.

OUR HIGH SCHOOL ST. THOMAS AQUINAS.

WE EVEN HAVE DONORS FROM THE HEALTHCARE FIELD LIKE MERIDIAN HEALTH AND STARBUCKS.

>> Reporter: DEAR MEMBERS OF THE LATINO INSTITUTE AT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY BUT HAVE LEVERAGE CONNECTIONS WITH OTHER NEW JERSEY-BASED COMPANIES.

>> SETON HALL HAS BEEN A GREAT HELP TO THE JOSEPH LATINO INSTITUTE.

THEY CONNECTED US TO GOYETTE YESTERDAY.

WE RECEIVED THIS 1000 DONATIONS.

THIS IS INCREDIBLE BECAUSE ALL THESE DONATIONS CONTAIN DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES FOR THIS COMMUNITY SUCH AS RICE AND BEANS DIFFERENT TYPES OF VEGGIES.

WE PLACED THOSE GOODS IN EVERY SINGLE BASKET SOAP FAMILIES WILL BE THANKFUL.

>> Reporter: THE MAJOR DONATION WAS JUST ONE PART OF THE MASSIVE INVESTMENT THEY HAVE SEEN IN THEIR OPERATION THE LAST YEAR.

TRANSFORMED THEIR GARAGE INTO A PANTRY.

AND ARE NOW EXPLORING WHAT MIGHT COME NEXT.

>> WE DEFINITELY WANT TO STAY IN --.

WE WANT TO SERVE THIS COMMUNITY WHERE WE WERE BORN AND RAISED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

WE WOULD DEFINITELY HAVE TO REACH OUT TO PEOPLE ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT CAN DONATE WE CAN HELP FUND RAISE.

JUST GET A BIGGER PLACE.

THIS IS NOT GOING TO FIT IN THIS GARAGE FOR MUCH LONGER.

>> Reporter: THE GIRLS SAID THIS IS A MESSAGE OF LOVE AND FAITH THEY FEEL CALLED TO FULFILL.

FOR CARMELLA IT IS NOT JUST THE FOOD BUT THE HUMAN CONNECTION AND KNOWING THEY CARE THAT MEANS EVERYTHING.

>> THEY ARE GIVING AN EXAMPLE TO ALL THE GENERATIONS IN THE WORLD.

TO HELP PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD.

IT IS A LOT OF PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF.

>> Reporter: THANKS FOR THE OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT FROM THIS COMMUNITY THAT JUST KEEPS COMING IN THE GIRLS THINK THEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO DELIVER 100 BASKETS TO FAMILIES WHOSE THANKSGIVING WILL BE THAT MUCH MORE FULLER THIS YEAR.

>>> ACCORDING TO A RECENT MOM MARMOT POLE TWO THIRDS OF AMERICANS SAY THEIR THANKSGIVING GATHERINGS WILL BE JUST AS CROWDED AS THEY WERE BEFORE THE PANDEMIC.

PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERS SAY THAT YOU CAN SAFELY ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS TOGETHER BUT THERE IS CONCERN THE UNVACCINATED COULD FEEL A POSTHOLIDAY SPIKE.

AS CASES IN NEW JERSEY ARE ALREADY INCREASING.

WITH MORE THAN 2300 NEW CASES AND ANOTHER 16 DEATHS REPORTED TODAY.

MANY OF THOSE WHO REMAIN UNVACCINATED OUR CHILDREN.

ONE IN 10 KIDS BETWEEN THE AGES OF FIVE AND 11 HAVE GOTTEN VACCINATED HERE IN NEW JERSEY.

ACROSS ALL AGES NEARLY 6.2 MILLION ARE FULLY VACCINATED.

1.2 MILLION HAVE GOTTEN A BOOSTER SHOT.

THOSE ADDITIONAL DOSES ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL ADULTS OVER 18 AND THEY ARE SEEN AS CRUCIAL TO PREVENTING BREAKTHROUGH INFECTIONS AS FULLY VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS THE PROTECTION FROM THOSE FIRST TWO SHOTS START TO DROP.

>>> SUPPORT FOR THE MEDICAL REPORT IS PROVIDED BY HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY.

AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.>>> AS WE HEARD FROM JOHN EARLIER THE PANDEMIC IS CAUSING SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS FROM THE STATE EMERGENCY FOOD NETWORK THEY ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES AFFECTED.

CONSUMERS WILL ALSO FACE SHIPPING DELAYS.

HIGHER PRICES AND INVENTORY SHORTAGES AS THEY BRAVED THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON THIS YEAR.

GRACE IS AN ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF INDUSTRIAL AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY.

SHE JOINS ME NOW TO EXPLAIN.

>> GRACE THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

TELL US WHAT IS THE MAIN CAUSE OF DISRUPTIONS TO THE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN?

>> THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS WORLDWIDE PANDEMIC.

IT HAS CAUSED DISRUPTIONS TO THE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN ON MANY LEVELS.

IT IS CAUSING DISRUPTIONS IN THE GLOBAL SHIPPING WHERE WE SEE CONTAINER SHORTAGE.

DELAYS AS SHIPPING PORTS.

REDUCE NUMBER OF OPERATIONAL VESSELS.

THIS DISRUPTION IS COUPLED WITH LABOR SHORTAGE, CAUSING SHORTAGE OF TRUCK DRIVERS AND WAREHOUSE STAFF.

COUPLED WITH PRODUCTION -- AND FACTORY CLOSURES.

ALL OF THESE DISRUPTIONS ARE COMPLEX AND INTERRELATED.

AND THEY ARE DISRUPTIONS STEMMED FROM THE PANDEMIC.

>> AS THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING CENTER SEASON KICKS OFF HOW ARE THESE DISRUPTIONS GOING TO IMPACT SHOPPERS?>> DURING THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON I BELIEVE THE CUSTOMERS MIGHT SEE HIGHER PRICES.

LONGER DELIVERY TIMES ARE WAITING TIMES.

EVEN DELAYED DELIVERIES.

>> WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO SHOPPERS?

>> I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT SHOPPING EARLY.

ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE HOT ITEMS.

AND I WOULD ALSO EXPECT SOME DELAYS IN THE DELIVERIES.

>> WILL RECEIVE THE MOST DELAYS AND WHAT PRODUCTS ARE GETTING CAUGHT UP IN THIS?

>> I BELIEVE ELECTRONICS AND APPLIANCES WOULD BE ONE CATEGORY.

AND THEN TOY THERE COULD BE TOY SHORTAGES AND INCREASE PRICES AND THAT.

THERE MIGHT ALSO BE DELAYS OR WE WILL SEE HIGHER PRICES FOR FOOTWEAR OR CLOTHES CLOTHING SUPPLY CHAIN.

>> WHAT OTHER TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR SHOPPERS?

>> I WAS SAY ONLINE SHOPPING IS DEFINITELY A GOOD WAY.

SO WE SEE STORES HAVING LONGER PROMOTIONAL CALENDAR.

THEY MAY HAVE PRE-BLACK FRIDAY DEALS.

THEY MAY HAVE SALES.

THAT MAKES ONLINE SHOPPING MORE CONVENIENT.>> WHEN WILL THE SUPPLY CHAIN BACK TO NORMAL?

>> THERE IS NO DOUBT THE SUPPLY CHAIN -- IS NOT FULLY RECOVERED.

AND IS STILL STRUGGLING TO RETURN TO PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS.

IT IS HARD FOR ME TO SAY WHEN THE SUPPLY CHAIN WILL BE BACK TO NORMAL.

SUPPLY CHAINS ARE COMPLEX.

BUT I'M OPTIMISTIC THAT SUPPLY CHAIN WILL GO BACK TO NORMAL.

IN FACT THAT'S MEANT MORE RESILIENT TO DISRUPTIONS.

SMITH HOW WILL THE SUPPLY CHAIN BECOME MORE RESILIENT?

>> THE SUPPLY CHAIN SHOULD BE RESILIENT TO DISRUPTIONS.

IN THE PAST IT HAS NEVER SEEN A DISRUPTION.

SO HUGE LIKE THE PANDEMIC.

AS THE SUPPLY CHAIN STRUGGLED BACK TO NORMAL WE ARE SEEING MORE ADOPTION OF FOR EXAMPLE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND MORE -- IN THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS.

THAT WAY WE ARE BUILDING MORE RESILIENCE TO THE SUPPLY CHAIN.

>>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US AND SPEAKING TO US AND HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> MILLIONS OF DOLLARS COULD BE ON THE WAY FOR AMONG OTHER THINGS NEW JERSEY'S HOSPITALS.

ACCORDING TO A NEWLY RELEASED PANDEMIC RELIEF SPENDING PROPOSAL FROM THE MURPHY INITIATION.

IT COMES FROM THE $6 BILLION POOL OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FEDERAL AID FUNDS.

CLOSE TO 130 MILLION WILL GO TO AREA HOSPITALS.

INCLUDING -- HACKENSACK MEDICAL CENTER WHICH WE USE THE MONEY TO SUPPORT HIS TRAUMA CENTER.

40 MILLION WILL BE SPENT ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS IN THE STATE.

ANOTHER NEARLY 40 MILLION WILL GO TOWARDS AN EVICTION PREVENTION PROGRAM.

REPUBLICANS INCLUDING SENATOR -- SAY THIS PROPOSAL IS LONG OVERDUE AND THEY HAVE BEEN PUSHING THE GOVERNOR TO RELEASE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS AT A FASTER RATE.

>> SUPPORT FOR THE BUSINESS REPORT PROVIDED BY FUEL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY.

AND BY JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF NEW JERSEY'S BUSINESS HALL OF FAME.

A VIRTUAL EVENT ON DECEMBER 9th AT SIX P.M. MORE INFORMATION ON LINE AT JA NJ.ORG.

>>> THE PANDEMIC HAS HIGHLIGHTED THE GROWING NEED FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND SUPPORT.

ESPECIALLY AMONG OUR KIDS WHO SPENDS MORE THAN A YEAR AWAY FROM SCHOOL AND AWAY FROM THEIR FRIENDS.

IN WAYNE 116-YEAR-OLD WANTS TO END THE STIGMA OF MENTAL HEALTH AMONG YOUTH.

HE SAID THAT IS WHY HE ALONG WITH A COFOUNDER CREATED FREE THE BIRD AN ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES OUTREACH AND AWARENESS -- STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH.

I SPOKE WITH A HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR ABOUT WHY SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING IN SILENCE.

>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START THIS GROUP?

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INVITING ME.

I STARTED THIS -- HAVING ANXIETY ATTACK IN FRESHMAN YEAR.

IT PUT ME IN A HORRIBLE PLACE FOR MONTHS.

I WASN'T GOING TO TALK ABOUT IT.

IF I SPOKE OUT PEOPLE WOULD LOOK DOWN UPON ME.

WHEN I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET THERE DESMOND I DID NOT WANT TO GET THERAPY.

I SAW IT AT THIS BAD THING.

MY PARENTS PUSH ME TO GET THERAPY.

AFTER A WHILE I REALIZED I COULD TALK ABOUT IT.

FOR A WHILE I DID NOT TALK ABOUT IT.

AT THE END OF SOPHOMORE YEAR I SPOKE ABOUT IT.

I LOOKED FOR ORGANIZATIONS ONLINE THAT DID THIS ALREADY.

I DID NOT FIND ANY WAY.

I REALIZE THAT NO YOUTH ARE BEING REPRESENTED.

I WANTED TO TAKE IT UPON MYSELF TO CREATE AN ORGANIZATION THAT IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE STIGMATIZING MENTAL HEALTH.

AS A YOUTH A 16-YEAR-OLD.

A 15-YEAR-OLD AT THE TIME.

THAT IS WHY I CREATED.

>> MENTAL HEALTH IS BECOMING MORE TALKED ABOUT.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO REMOVE THE STIGMA SURROUNDING IT?

>> IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING.

STUDENTS NOT ABLE TO TALK ABOUT IT THAT IS A HORRIBLE THING.

THEY WILL TAKE TO DISTRACTIONS SUCH AS SUBSTANCE ABUSE.

SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTIONS.

IF YOU'RE NOT ABLE TO TALK ABOUT THE PROBLEM THE PROBLEM IS NOT GOING TO BECOME RECOGNIZED IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

PEOPLE ARE NOT GOING TO LOOK FOR A SOLUTION.

IF YOU DON'T SEE IT PHYSICALLY A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T CARE.

IF PEOPLE CAN SEE PHYSICALLY THAT IS NOT GOING TO BE TAKEN AS AN ISSUE.

BY THE STIGMATIZING MENTAL HEALTH STUDENTS CAN TALK ABOUT IT.

I WANT STUDENTS TO TALK ABOUT THEIR STORIES.

AND BE ABLE TO SHOW THEIR EXPERIENCES.

I'M STARTING WITH MYSELF AND I WANT TO SEE MY FRIENDS DO THE SAME.

I WANT TO SEE PEOPLE BE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH.

>> WHAT RESPONSE HAVE YOU GOTTEN FROM STUDENTS AND FACULTY?

>> IN MY SCHOOL IN TERMS OF MY OWN MENTAL HEALTH.

IN TERMS OF MY INITIATIVE LAB STAFF HAVE SUPPORTED ME AND A LOT OF STUDENTS HAVE JOINED ME TO DIG STIGMATIZED MENTAL HEALTH.

CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT THEIR ISSUES.

WITHOUT THE FEAR OF BEING BULLIED OR HARASSED.

A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE JOINED ME ON THIS.

I'VE SEEN A LOT OF STIGMA IN MY OWN COMMUNITY IN SCHOOL.

I'M TRYING MY BEST TO DESTIGMATIZE IT ALTOGETHER.

>> WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR THE GROUP?

>> FOR THIS GROUP SPECIFICALLY I WANT TO PARTNER WITH ORGANIZATIONS.

WITH LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE.

A LOT OF THE YOUTH ARE NOT DOING IT BUT THERE ADULTS ARE NOT DOING THESE THINGS.

A LOT OF ADULTS ARE CARRYING IT FORWARD.

THE PROFESSIONALS ARE DOING GREAT WORK.

WE THE YOUTH NEED TO STEP FORWARD AND WE NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.

AS YOUTH WE ARE THE FOREFRONT OF THE FUTURE.

WE ARE THE FUTURE ACTUALLY.

WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT IT.

I WANT TO FIND ORGANIZATIONS THAT WILL WORK WITH US.

I'VE BEEN WORKING WITH OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND I WANT TO WORK WITH MORE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO CREATE POLICY AND CHANGE THAT WE CAN USE TO DESTIGMATIZE MENTAL HEALTH.

>> YOU SPOKE ABOUT YOUTH NOT SPEAKING MORE ABOUT THIS ISSUE.

WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FOR PEOPLE YOUR AGE WHEN SPEAKING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH?

>> I GOT THERAPY LUCKILY.

I DID NOT WANT THERAPY.

STUDENTS ARE NOT ABLE TO FIND THOSE RESOURCES.

THEY DON'T KNOW THEY EXIST.

AND THEY DON'T EVEN WANT TO COME OUT AND SAY THEY HAVE A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE.

THEY WILL GET SCARED OF BEING BULLIED BY OTHERS.

THEY ARE SCARED OF THEIR PARENTS LOOKING DOWN AT THEM.

SOME CULTURES SOME COMMUNITIES SOMEBODY WILL TRY TO SAY I WANT TO GET THERAPY.

THEIR PARENTS WILL SCOLD THEM.

THEY WILL BE HARASSED BY THEIR OWN COMMUNITY FOR HAVING AN ISSUE.

IF THEY ARE ABLE TO NORMALIZE IT PEOPLE WILL FEEL -- THEY WILL GET THOSE RESOURCES AND GET HEALED.

>>> THANK YOU FOR SETTING A GREAT EXAMPLE.

THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING WITH US.

>> OF COURSE >>> THAT DOES IT FOR US.

HAD OVER TO NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS THAT OREGON AND CHECK OUT OUR SOCIAL PLATFORMS WERE WE KEEP YOU UPDATED WITH THE LATEST.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING AND HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING.

WE WILL SEE YOU BACK HERE TOMORROW.

GOOD NIGHT.>>> NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION.

MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GRADE FOR EVERY CHILD.

>>> RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

>> THE OCEAN RAIN PROJECT.

BY ORSTED AND PSEG.

CREATION OF A NEW OR LONG TERM SUSTAINABLE CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

>>> RUNNING FOR HUNGER IN NEW JERSEY HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY THE ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION.

WORKING WITH OTHERS TO BUILD A NATIONAL CULTURE OF HEALTH THAT PROVIDES EVERYONE IN AMERICA A FAIR AND JUST OPPORTUNITY FOR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.

>>> THE OCEAN WIND PROJECT.

BY ORSTED AND PSEG.

PROVIDE RENEWABLE OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY.

JOBS, EDUCATIONAL, SUPPLY-CHAIN AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GARDEN STATE.

OCEAN WIND COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

>>> LOOK AT THESE KIDS.

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

I SEE MYSELF.

I BECAME A TEACHER TO GIVE MY STUDENTS WHAT I WANTED WHEN I CAME TO THIS COUNTRY.

THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN, TO DREAM, TO ACHIEVE.

A CHANCE TO BELONG AND TO BE AN AMERICAN.

MY NAME IS JULIA -- I'M PROUD TO BE.

>>>