The Salvation Army now has three feeding trucks to help prepare and serve 30,000 hot meals a day during an emergency or natural disaster.

New Salvation Army mobile field kitchens
New Salvation Army mobile field kitchens (Facebook)
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Today, Gov. Chris Christie’s Administration announced $870,000 in federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS).

“In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, volunteer organizations provided over 4.5 million meals in the impacted counties,” says DHS Commissioner Jennifer Velez. “The ability to quickly prepare food for individuals during an emergency is critical, and these unique vehicles will enhance the state’s response.”

Officials believe these are the first feeding truck in the nation that can serve 10,000 people within four hours of arriving at a disaster site. They each contain two large refrigerators, three built-in freezers, two 30-gallon tilting skillets, four sinks, a staff bathroom, on board waste and water holding tanks.

"Adverse conditions often present situations where community members do not have access to food or hot meals,” says Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “These mobile kitchens will enhance our mass care capabilities, and the ability to provide food to disaster survivors."

Custom Mobile Food Equipment of Hammonton was awarded the contract last October to customize the vehicles, which allow for almost immediate meal delivery upon arrival at a disaster site. DHS is temporarily keeping the vehicles in Winslow Township at its warehouse until The Salvation Army is able to transport them to its own holding sites.

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