Atlantic City’s casino industry has helped raise nearly $400,000 for hunger relief efforts in New Jersey, supporting a campaign that has already provided more than 1.2 million meals to residents facing food insecurity.
The initiative, known as Casinos Unite Against Hunger, was launched in May 2025 through a partnership between the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and the Casino Association of New Jersey. Since its launch, the program has brought together Atlantic City’s gaming and entertainment sector to support families struggling with rising living costs and food shortages.
A significant boost came during the inaugural “Meal on a Mission: A Chef’s Tableside Experience” event, hosted at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. The gathering helped push total fundraising close to the $400,000 mark, with the casino industry contributing more than $100,000 during the event alone.
Among the largest donations were $50,000 contributions from Hard Rock Atlantic City and the Casino Association of New Jersey. Additional support came from Caesars Entertainment Atlantic City, which donated $20,000, while the MGM Resorts Foundation contributed $10,000. The event also received backing from several other Atlantic City casino operators.
Community FoodBank of New Jersey President and CEO Elizabeth McCarthy said many families across the state continue to face difficult choices between housing, bills and food, highlighting the importance of industry partnerships in tackling hunger. Meanwhile, Casino Association of New Jersey President George Goldhoff described the campaign as an example of how the Atlantic City community can work together to create a lasting impact for residents in need.
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey is the state’s largest anti-hunger and anti-poverty organization, supporting more than 800 local food assistance programs across over a dozen counties. Organizers say the continued support from Atlantic City’s casino sector will remain vital as demand for food assistance persists throughout the region.