Statewide initiative provides no-cost blood glucose monitoring supplies and connects participants with lower-cost replacement supplies at ShopRite pharmacies.
MAHWAH, N.J., Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Diabetes Foundation and Wakefern Food Corp., the supermarket cooperative behind the ShopRite brand, today announced a statewide initiative designed to help New Jersey residents facing financial barriers access the supplies they need to monitor their blood glucose and manage diabetes. The initiative combines the Diabetes Foundation's no-cost supply assistance with access to affordable replacement testing supplies at ShopRite pharmacies across the state.
Through the Diabetes Foundation's Supply Assistance program, eligible New Jersey residents receive a blood glucose meter, test strips, a lancing device and lancets delivered directly to their homes at no cost. Each starter supply kit provides enough test strips for 100 blood glucose checks, helping individuals who are uninsured, underinsured or experiencing financial hardship continue monitoring their glucose when the cost of supplies might otherwise prevent them from doing so.
The Diabetes Foundation's collaboration with Wakefern and ShopRite Pharmacy creates low-cost replacement options when the starter kit supplies run out. Participants who get a starter kit from the Diabetes Foundation can purchase replacement supplies such as test strips, blood glucose meters, lancing devices and lancets at a reduced cost at participating ShopRite pharmacies, providing participants with a more affordable way to continue blood glucose monitoring beyond the initial assistance period.
By connecting immediate assistance with long-term, lower-cost options for supplies, the initiative is designed to help people maintain access to the tools they need to manage their diabetes. ShopRite Pharmacy locations across New Jersey provide participants with a local option for purchasing replacement supplies rather than relying solely on the temporary, starter assistance kits.
"Diabetes management begins with access to the right tools, and ongoing blood sugar monitoring is an essential part of understanding and managing diabetes effectively," said Ginine Cilenti, executive director of the Diabetes Foundation. "We are proud to work with Wakefern and ShopRite Pharmacy to make diabetes supplies more accessible and affordable for the participants we serve."
"This partnership helps remove a financial barrier that can prevent people from monitoring consistently and gives them greater opportunity to stay on track with their health and meet their blood sugar goals," Cilenti added. "We are grateful to Wakefern for helping us make this important resource available to our community."
"We are proud to work with the Diabetes Foundation on this important program, which helps eligible New Jersey residents obtain critical diabetes monitoring supplies at a reduced cost through ShopRite Pharmacies. Together, we are working to remove barriers to ensure that individuals and families have access to the tools they need to monitor their health with confidence," said Aaron Sapp, Vice President of Pharmacy and Wellness for Wakefern Food Corp.
Diabetes affects a significant number of New Jersey residents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's U.S. Diabetes Surveillance System, 9.1% of New Jersey adults had diagnosed diabetes in 2023, reinforcing the need for accessible resources that support ongoing diabetes management. New Jersey residents experiencing financial hardship can learn more about the Diabetes Foundation's Emergency Supply Assistance Program and apply for assistance at Financial Assistance - Diabetes Foundation. Individuals with unopened, unexpired diabetes supplies they no longer need can also learn about donating eligible products to the Diabetes Foundation's supply repository at Donation Redistribution Program - Diabetes Foundation.
About the Diabetes Foundation
The Diabetes Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to providing free programs, education and resources to individuals living with or at risk for diabetes across New Jersey. For 36 years, the Foundation has helped thousands of people access the care and support needed to manage and prevent diabetes. Through statewide awareness, prevention and management initiatives, the Diabetes Foundation provides barrier-free services, including diabetes navigation, accredited education and immediate, no-cost support, with no insurance required. Its mission is to ensure that individuals facing financial or health care barriers have access to the tools, education and guidance needed to manage their health and prevent diabetes-related complications. To donate, sponsor or learn more, visit https://diabetesfoundationinc.org.
About Wakefern Food Corp.
From a small, local cooperative that began with eight grocery store owners, Wakefern Food Corp. has grown into the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States. Founded in 1946, the cooperative is made up of members who today independently own and operate hundreds of supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, Di Bruno Bros., and Morton Williams banners in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. For more information, please visit www.wakefern.com
Media Contact
Ginine Cilenti, Diabetes Foundation, 1 201-444-0337 101, [email protected], https://diabetesfoundationinc.org
SOURCE Diabetes Foundation
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