Jane Asselta. - The Food Bank of South Jersey

The Food Bank of South Jersey announced Feb. 10 that Jane Asselta has been appointed president and chief executive officer, effective Feb. 16. 

She will lead the organization as it continues its work to ensure neighbors across South Jersey have access to nourishing food and resources that support long-term health and stability.

“Following a thoughtful search process, the board is confident Jane is the right leader for this moment,” said Jeffrey Hayman, chair of the Food Bank of South Jersey’s Board of Trustees. “She was born and raised in South Jersey and brings a deep knowledge of our service area along with strong public-sector and nonprofit leadership experience, and a proven ability to build partnerships that strengthen communities.”

As the incoming leader of the Food Bank of South Jersey, Asselta will be dealing with the part  of the state where food insecurity is the most serious in New Jersey. Southern New Jersey consistently shows higher food‑insecurity rates than the state average. Several counties in the region — especially Atlantic, Cumberland, and Camden — experience some of the most significant challenges. Atlantic County food insecurity rate is 16.2%, the highest of any county, Rutgers New Jersey State Policy Lab. 

Asselta has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, government, economic development, and fundraising. She most recently served as New Jersey State Director for USDA Rural Development, where she led statewide investment efforts in housing, small business growth, infrastructure, clean energy and community facilities in rural New Jersey.

Prior to that role, Asselta served for more than a decade as Vice President of the Southern New Jersey Development Council, working closely with business, government, and community leaders across the region.

“I am honored to step into this role at such a pivotal time for the Food Bank of South Jersey,” said Asselta. “For 40 years, this organization has worked alongside communities and partners to meet urgent needs while building pathways to better health. I look forward to continuing that legacy by strengthening partnerships, deepening our nutrition and wellness efforts, and ensuring our neighbors have the resources they need to thrive.”

The Food Bank’s work extends beyond food distribution to include nutrition education, wellness programming, and access to supportive services. In 2025, the Food Bank of South Jersey served more than 188,000 people each month across Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties.

The organization also opened the Center for Health, Wellness, and Nutrition, which connects people to classes and opportunities that address food insecurity and other social drivers of health.