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

SERVING THE INSURANCE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS AND AND HORIZON BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD OF NEW JERSEY, AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF BLUECROSS AND BLUESHIELD ASSOCIATION .

>>> THIS IS "NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS" WITH BRIANA VANNOZZI.

>> GOOD EVENING, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

TONIGHT, TO JERSEY GIANTS RIVAL DRUG MAKERS ARE TEAMING UP TO HELP BOOST THE SUPPLY OF CORONAVIRUS VACCINES ACROSS THE COUNTRY, IN AN UNUSUAL DEAL, THE DRUGMAKER WILL HELP REDUCE JOHNSON & JOHNSON'S NEW AUTHORIZED ONE-SHOT VACCINE, THE AGREEMENT WAS MADE THROUGH THE HELP OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AFTER J&J FELL BEHIND WITH PRODUCTION MAKING 4 MILLION DOSES PRIOR TO LAST SATURDAY'S EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION FROM THE FDA.

MERCK IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST VACCINE MAKERS BUT ABANDONED ITS OWN DEVELOPMENT OF A CORONAVIRUS SERUM IN JANUARY AFTER SHOTS FAILED TO ACTIVATE THE RIGHT IMMUNE RESPONSE.

J&J IS NOW EXPECTED TO MEET THE PRODUCTION COMMITMENT OF 100 MILLION DOSES BY THE END OF JUNE AND EXPAND FURTHER.

ACROSS THE STATE TODAY, NEARLY 2.1 MILLION DOSES HAVE BEEN GIVEN, MORE THAN 7/21002 SHOTS IN ARMS.

SOME EFFORTS MAY BE HIGHER IF THE STATE GAVE FAMILY DOCTORS AND LET THEM IMMUNIZE PATIENTS DURING ROUTINE VISITS.

>> I HAD BEEN STOCKPILING MASKS , I HAVE GOTTEN GLOVES AND I HAD STARTED TO BUY FOOD AND WATER BECAUSE WE WERE NERVOUS THAT SOMETHING WAS GOING TO HAPPEN.

SHE WARNED US, IT DOES NOT LOOK GOOD.

THINGS ARE GETTING BAD HERE.

>> Reporter: JEANETTE GONZALES SAYS SHE WAS WARNED ABOUT COVID- 19 WEEKS IN ADVANCE BY HER SON'S GIRLFRIEND, EXCHANGE STUDENT IN CHINA.

SHE SAYS TO BUY TRYING TO PREPARE THE BEST SHE CAN, SHE AND HER FAMILY STILL GOT SICK AND ARE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE.

>> MY HUSBAND BECAME VERY, VERY SICK AND HE WAS IN THE HOSPITAL ALL THROUGH EASTER AND HE CAME HOME A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER EASTER.

>> Reporter: THE WIFE AND MOM OF TWO SAYS DESPITE SURVIVING THE ORDEAL, SHE WAS HESITANT ABOUT RECEIVING A VACCINE.

>> IT WAS DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND WHO TO BELIEVE AND WHO NOT TO BELIEVE.

>> Reporter: GONZALES, WHO IS DOMINICAN AND LIVES IN A TOWN LARGELY POPULATED BY LATINO SAYS SHE IS NOT ALONE IN FEELING THAT WAY.

>> 50-50 DON'T TRUST IT, EVEN MY IN-LAWS, THEY HAD A WAIT-AND- SEE ATTITUDE.

>> Reporter: ACCORDING TO THE STATES DASHBOARD, OF THE MORE THAN 2 MILLION DOSES THAT HAVE BEEN ADMINISTERED AND JERSEY EXPANDED TO MAKE UP 21% OF THE STATES POPULATION HAVE ACCOUNTED FOR 6% OF THE DOSES WHILE WHITES HAVE ACCOUNTED FOR 57% OF THE DOSES.

>> I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I'VE BEEN ASKED IN THE PAST WEEK, SHOULD I GET THE VACCINE?

THEY WANT TO KNOW MY OPINION, BASED ON THEIR CONDITION, THEY ARE ABLE TO RECEIVE IT SAFELY.

>> Reporter: DR. ORTIZ IS THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR FOR THE FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER IN NEW YORK.

HE SAID HE HE IS FRUSTRATED WE WENT INCLUDED IN THE ROLLOUT.

>> I WOULD BE ABLE TO GIVE APPROXIMATELY 100 VACCINES A DAY OUT TO THE MOST VULNERABLE POPULATIONS WHO HAVE HAD A DIFFICULT TIME ACCESSING THE VACCINE.

>> Reporter: THAT WHY HE HAS TAKEN TO SPANISH LANGUAGE RADIO STATIONS, AND NEWSPAPERS TO EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING VACCINATED.

>> Reporter: WHY CAN'T WE HAVE A FORM TO REGISTER?

WE CAN HELP THEM IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH, IT CAN BE SUBMITTED BY A DOCTOR'S OFFICE FOR INSTANCE OR A CHURCH.

>> IT MAKES SENSE TO LEVERAGE THAT RESOURCE IN A TIME WHEN WE REALLY NEED ALL HANDS ON DECK.

>> Reporter: RAY IS THE CEO OF NEW JERSEY ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS.

SOME OF THE DECISIONS THAT ARE BEING MADE TO EXCLUDE THE PRIMARY CARE COMMUNITY ARE A LITTLE SHORTSIGHTED.

>> I THINK WHERE THE DISCONNECT IS, IS LIKELY IN THE BELIEF ON THE PART OF THE ADMINISTRATION NOT THE BEST PATH MIGHT BE MEGA SITES.

THEY TALK ABOUT DISTRIBUTION ISSUES, BUT WE FEEL IF THERE IS DISTRIBUTION ISSUES, YOU CAN ALWAYS REDISTRIBUTE.

THEY TALK ABOUT STORAGE ISSUES, BUT THE ONLY STORAGE PROBLEM FOR PRIMARY CARE OFFICES WOULD BE THE PFIZER VACCINE.

MANY OF THE OFFICES EVEN INVESTED IN THAT TYPE OF STORAGE.

SO, WE REALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND THE PUSHBACK.

>> Reporter: GONZALES AND HER HUSBAND EVENTUALLY DID GET THE VACCINE AND DON'T REGRET IT.

HOWEVER, SHE DID ADMIT THAT SHE INITIALLY WAS OFF OF THE VACCINE BY A DOCTOR, SHE WOULD NOT HAVE HESITATED TO RECEIVE IT.

HE SAYS ULTIMATELY, IT'S UP TO THE GOVERNOR AND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ALLOW FAMILY PROVIDERS TO ADMINISTER VACCINATIONS, WHICH HE HOPES BECOMES A REALITY SOONER THAN LATER.

FOR "NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS", I'M RAVEN SANTANA.

STRACHAN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS, HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF MY RESIDENTS WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO GET THEIR SHOT, THE EXPANSION INCLUDES PUBLIC WORKERS ACROSS CRITICAL INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING NEW JERSEY TRANSIT.

DESPITE LOSING 18 EMPLOYEES TO CORONAVIRUS COMPLICATIONS, WORKERS HAVE BEEN WAITING PATIENTLY FOR THEIR SPOT ONLINE, MONTHS AFTER THE AGENCY BECAME AN APPROVED STATE VACCINE DISTRIBUTOR, DEVELOPING THEIR OWN SITES AND SCHEDULING SYSTEM.

THEY HAVE YET TO GET IT VACCINE DOSE SHIPMENT.

BRENDA FLANAGAN HAS THE STORY.

>> I AM ECSTATIC.

NO OTHER WAY TO PUT IT.

>> Reporter: JEROME JOHNSON SAYS TRAIN CONDUCTORS CHAIR THE DECISION TO MAKE NJ TRANSIT'S WORKERS ELIGIBLE FOR THE VACCINATION STARTING MARCH 15th.

THE PANDEMIC HAS TAKEN A TOLL AT THE AGENCY WHERE THE VIRUS SICKENED HUNDREDS AND KILLED 17, MOSTLY FRONT-LINE WORKERS.

SO IT IS THE CONDUCTORS, BUS DRIVERS AND OTHER PUBLIC FACING STAFFERS WHO WILL BE FIRST IN LINE FOR A SHOT.

>> HAVING THE VACCINE GIVES YOU A SENSE OF MORCOM TO BE ABLE GO OUT AND DO YOUR JOB AND NOT SO MUCH FEAR THAT YOU CAN CONTRACT THIS WHILE YOU ARE WORKING.

A LOT OF THE FEAR IS NOT THAT YOU MAY CATCH IT AT WORK WHO YOU BRING IT BACK TO.

>> Reporter: A SPOKESMAN SAYS WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE GOVERNOR FOR PRIORITIZING TRANSIT WORKERS WHO HAVE KEPT OUR STATE MOVING SOME THE ONSET OF THE PANDEMIC.

THE AGENCY HAS ALREADY ACQUIRED SPECIAL LARGE SUPERCOLD FREEZERS LIKE THESE TO STORE VACCINE AND RECENTLY RECEIVED A LIMITED SUPPLY OF DOSES FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

NJ TRANSIT THOUGH NURSES WILL START GIVING SHOTS THURSDAY TO EMPLOYEES WHO ARE CURRENTLY ELIGIBLE, INCLUDING HEALTHCARE STAFF AND LAW ENFORCEMENT.

CENTERS HAVE BEEN SET UP AT OFFICES IN MAPLEWOOD AND CAMDEN TO FACILITATE VACCINATING THE LARGER WORKFORCE.

>> IT WILL BE QUICKER FOR THEM TO ADMINISTER, SO IT WILL BE ON HAND, ON SCENE, ON PROPERTY.

I DON'T THINK IT WILL TAKE A LONG TIME AT ALL.

GOD WILLING.

>> I THINK IT WILL HELP BOOST RIDERSHIP.

>> Reporter: RIDERSHIP FELL DRAMATICALLY DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE PANDEMIC, NJ TRANSIT REPORTS ONLY 20% OF RAIL RIDERSHIP HAS RETURNED AND 35% OF PASSENGERS ON BUSES TO NEW YORK CITY.

TROUBLING NUMBERS ON THE AGENCY THAT DEPENDS ON IT FOR OPERATING EXPENSES, BUT 70% OF LOCAL BUS CUSTOMERS ARE BACK ON BOARD.

VACCINATING FRONT-LINE TRANSIT WORKERS WILL HELP WRITERS FEEL SAFER, SAYS ANOTHER WAY TRANSIT CAN STEP UP IS BY OPENING VACCINATION SITES AND ITS PUBLIC SPACES, LIKE SECAUCUS JUNCTION, AND NEXUS WERE RAIL AND BUS LINES.

>> TO TAKE A TRAIN OR BUS TO A MAJOR TRANSIT HUB TO RECEIVE A VACCINE IS SOMETHING, TO ME, THAT MAKES A LOT OF SENSE.

IN MY MIND, THE TRANSFER STATION IS PERFECT BECAUSE IT'S GOT A LOT OF ROOM.

AND IT IS NOT A WIDELY USED STATION.

THE TERMINAL, FOR INSTANCE, THERE IS ROOM THERE BECAUSE YOU'VE GOT THE MAIN WAITING ROOM, BUT YOU ALSO HAVE THAT AREA THAT GOES UP TO WHERE IT USED TO BE THE FAIRY.

>> NEW JERSEY CAN PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN THE ROLLOUT OF THE VACCINATION.

>> Reporter: TRI-STATE SAYS IT COULD HELP RESIDENT TO QUALIFY FOR THE VACCINE BUT DON'T DRIVE GET TO THEIR APPOINTMENTS BY REDEPLOYING SOME OF ITS BUSES.

>> AND PERHAPS REALLOCATING AND REPURPOSING SOME OF THE BUSES TO PROVIDE THESE SERVICES, WE THINK THE CONVERSATIONS NEED TO BEGIN, AND QUICKLY, SO THAT MORE PEOPLE CAN HAVE ACCESS TO VACCINES, ESPECIALLY OUR VULNERABLE RESIDENTS, OUR AGING POPULATION, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THOSE WHO ARE TRANSIT DEPENDENT AND ARE OFTEN IN LOW INCOME COMMUNITIES.

>> Reporter: NJ TRANSIT DEFER TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH OF WEATHER THAT COULD FIT INTO THE STATES VACCINATION STRATEGY.

I'M BRENDA FLANAGAN, "NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS".

>> FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE, THE SCARS OF THIS PANDEMIC WONT BE EASILY FORGOTTEN.

RACIALLY FIELD ATTACKS AGAINST ASIAN AMERICANS ARE ONCE AGAIN ON THE RISE.

STEMMING FROM HIS ENERVATION ABOUT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19, INFLAMMATORY LANGUAGE FROM OUR LEADERS IN THIS COUNTRY'S HISTORY OF ANTI-ASIAN DISCRIMINATION, THE VERBAL AND PHYSICAL ABUSE IS RELATED TO THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK BEGAN LAST MARCH AND MANY SAY NOT NEARLY ENOUGH HAS BEEN DONE IN THE 12 MONTHS SINCE.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT, DAVID CRUZ, REPORTS.

>> I CAN NAME CONGA FLU, I CAN NAME 19 DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF THINGS.

>> Reporter: YOU COULD POINT TO THE FORMER PRESIDENTS OFTEN INTOLERANT RHETORIC SURROUNDING THE PANDEMIC AS ONE OF THE REASONS FOR AN INCREASE IN VIOLENCE AGAINST ASIAN AMERICANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS.

HE MAKES IT EASY AND STATISTICS SEEM TO CONFIRM IT.

44 INCIDENTS OF ANTI-ASIAN DISCRIMINATION REPORTED IN NEW JERSEY BETWEEN MARCH 19th AND AUGUST 5th.

ACCORDING TO THE GROUP STOP AA IP HATE, THAT COMPARES TO 37 ANTI-ASIAN BIASED INCIDENTS IN ALL OF 2019.

ADDED 16-YEAR-OLD YANA CHO TO THIS STATISTIC, IN TIMES SQUARE ON SATURDAY, MARKING KOREAN INDEPENDENCE WITH SEVERAL FELLOW MEMBERS OF THE KOREAN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY YOUTH COUNCIL PREPARING TISSUE A VIDEO AND WALKING WITH KOREAN FLAGS.

>> AND EN MASSE WHITE MIDDLE- AGED WOMAN CAME UP TO US SAID GETAWAY FOR ME, STAY FAR AWAY FROM ME.

AND WAS SHOOING HER HANDS, WAVING HER HANDS AND LOOKING AT US DISGUSTEDLY.

>> Reporter: WHAT CAME TO YOUR MIND?

I WISH I COULD'VE SAID SOMETHING BUT WHEN YOU WERE IN THAT POSITION, IT IS SO HARD TO STAND UP FOR YOURSELF.

>> Reporter: ANDY KIM, A FATHER OF TWO YOUNG CHILDREN KNOWS THE FEELING VERY WELL, RELATING A STORY OF HAVING DIFFICULTY EXPLAINING TO HIS SON WHY A CLINT REGARDING CLASSMATE WOULD MOCK HIM BY CALLING HIM CHINESE BOY.

>> I'M STILL NOT FULLY THERE, I'M STILL LEARNING THIS.

I HAD AN INCIDENT ALMOST A YEAR AGO NOW, BEFORE THE PANDEMIC SET IN WHERE I WAS ON A TRAIN FROM DC BACK TO JERSEY, AND I SAT NEXT TO SOMEONE AND THIS WOMAN STARTED YELLING AT ME BECAUSE I SAT NEXT TO HER AND SHE WAS AFRAID SHE WAS GOING TO GET THE VIRUS BECAUSE OF THE WAY I LOOK.

AND I WISH I COULD TELL YOU RIGHT NOW THAT I STOOD UP STRONG AND FOUGHT BACK AGAINST THAT, BUT WHEN YOU ARE IN THAT CIRCUMSTANCE, YOU DON'T KNOW HOW YOU WILL REACT AND FOR ME, I DID MOVE SEATS, AND I REGRET THAT STILL.

RE/MAX ORDER EDISON MAYOR HAS DEALT WITH RACISM HIS WHOLE LIFE, AS WELL AS FAMILY MEMBERS AND ASIAN FRIENDS.

SPEAKING UP HE SAID IS NOT EASY AND HASN'T BEEN FOR GENERATIONS.

>> CULTURALLY, THEY COME FROM COUNTRIES WHERE IT IS TRADITIONALLY PATRIARCHAL AND IT IS NOT POLITE TO SPEAK UP AGAINST YOUR PARENTS OR IT'S NOT POLITE TO SPEAK UP AGAINST AUTHORITY.

SO THERE IS A CULTURAL BIAS DO NOT SPEAK UP, BUT I THINK THAT IS CHANGING.

>> Reporter: CHOI, WHO RUNS JERSEY PROMISE, AND ADVOCACY GROUP, SAYS IT'S ON ALL OF US TO RAISE AWARENESS.

IT'S ON POLICE TO REACH OUT TO ASIAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITIES AND FOR ASIAN AMERICANS TO DEMAND THEIR RIGHTS TO BE FREE FROM HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE.

>> LOOK, IF YOU SEE A SITUATION IN YOUR LIFE WHERE IN ASIAN- AMERICAN, OR REALLY, ANYONE OF ANY BACKGROUND IS BEING VERBALLY ASSAULTED OR EVEN WORSE, SPEAK UP, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

DEFEND AND PROTECT THE VOICELESS, THOSE WHO CANNOT DEFEND THEMSELVES.

>> Reporter: NOT EASY IN THE RACIALLY CHARGED ENVIRONMENT WE LIVE IN TODAY.

BUT ALL THE MORE CRITICAL FOR THE SAME REASON.

I'M DAVID CRUZ, "NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS".

>>> BUSINESS OWNERS IN NEW YORK ARE GIVING A LEG UP ON SURVIVING THIS PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS, RANDE SCHEFFLER HAS MORE ON THE CITIES GRANT PROGRAM IN TONIGHT'S TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>> Reporter: NEWARK BUSINESSES HAVE RECEIVED FUNDING FROM THE CITY, THE GRANT FUND HAS AWARDED A $2.2 MILLION TO MORE THAN 100 BUSINESSES, INCLUDING HAIR SALONS, RESTAURANTS, RETAILERS AND OTHERS.

THESE COMPANIES WERE LOCATED IN AREAS HARDEST HIT BY THE ECONOMIC FALLOUT FROM THE PANDEMIC.

THIS IS THE THIRD ROUND OF FUNDING FROM THE CITIES GRANT PROGRAM, WHICH LAUNCHED LAST SPRING.

THERE ARE CALLS ONCE AGAIN ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO BOYCOTT GOYA FOODS, FOLLOWING WEEKEND COMMENTS MADE BY THE CEO.

HE SPOKE AT THE CONSERVATIVE POLITICAL ACTION CONFERENCE WHERE HE SAID DONALD TRUMP WAS THE LEGITIMATE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.

I ASKED CARLOS MEDINA, CEO OF THE STATEWIDE HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IF HE SUPPORTS THE BOYCOTT.

>> IF A COMPANY'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR A COMPANY'S SENIOR EXECUTIVES DON'T LIKE THE COMMUNITY, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER IF YOU WANT TO SHOP WITH THEM.

IF SEL MAKES SUCH OUTRAGEOUS CLAIMS, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BUT I WOULDN'T BE A STRONG TO SAY BOYCOTT THEM.

I WON'T USE THEM IN MY HOUSEHOLD ANYMORE.

>> Reporter: HE ALSO FACED CALLS FOR A BOYCOTT LAST SUMMER.

THE AMERICAN DREAM WALL NOW HAS $41 MILLION IN CONSTRUCTION LIENS FILED AGAINST IT.

THEY WERE FILED BETWEEN LAST MARCH AND THIS PAST FEBRUARY FROM CONTRACTORS SEEKING PAYMENT FOR THEIR WORK.

LINE LAWYER BLAMES FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS FACING THE TENANTS WHILE THE AMERICAN DREAM MALL HAS REOPENED, NOT ALL OF THE RETAILERS AND RESTAURANTS HAVE OPEN THEIR DOORS.

THE STATE ASSEMBLY HAS GIVEN UNANIMOUS APPROVAL TO A BILL DESIGNED TO HELP RESIDENTS GET SMARTER ABOUT THEIR FINANCES.

THE BILL WOULD CREATE FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTERS IN FIVE MAJOR CITIES, WHERE RESIDENTS COULD GET COACHING AND PERSONAL FINANCES, AS WELL AS ATTEND FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAMS.

THESE CENTERS WILL BE SET UP AS A THREE-YEAR PILOT PROGRAM, THE PROGRAM WOULD BE PAID FOR BY USING MONEY THE STATE RECEIVED FROM A FAX TO SETTLE CLAIMS OVER A DATA BREACH THAT OCCURRED IN 2017.

>>> HERE IS A LOOK AT TODAY'S TRADING ON WALL STREET.

THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> SUPPORT FOR THE BUSINESS REPORT PROVIDED BY J.P. MORGAN CHASE, A PROVIDER OF FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR CONSUMERS AND SMALL BUSINESSES.

COMMERCIAL BANKING, FINANCIAL TRANSACTION PROCESSING AND ASSET MANAGEMENT.

>>> AS ESSENCES AND RESTAURANTS WERE FORCED TO SHUT DOWN LAST YEAR, GROUPS OF FORWARD THINKING NEIGHBORS TOGETHER, PLOTTING HOW TO HELP OUT.

ONE RESULT IS A PROGRAM THAT IS LIKELY TO OUTLAST THIS PANDEMIC.

IT'S CALLED SUSTAIN AND SERVE, PROVIDING MONEY TO NONPROFITS, WHICH, IN TURN, BY MEALS FROM OUR STRUGGLING RESTAURANTS AND GIVE THEM TO THOSE IN NEED.

TALK ABOUT NECESSITY BEING THE MOTHER OF INVENTION.

>> MENTALLY, IT WAS EXHAUSTING.

>> Reporter: THIS TREE COMPLEX IN ASBURY PARK HAD TO LAY OFF 50 STAFF MEMBERS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC BECAUSE OF CAPACITY RESTRICTIONS.

>> JUST DOWN TO MANAGERS, COOKING, SERVING, ANSWERING THE PHONES, DOING ALL THE TAKE OUT.

>> Reporter: GENERAL MANAGER, SHANNA SAID WHAT HELPED THEM GET THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES WAS A NONPROFIT CALLED ASBURY PARK DINNER TABLE.

>> IN THE BEGINNING, IT WAS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WAS PAYING A SALARY.

AND NOW, THAT WE ARE IN A BETTER PLACE, WE PROBABLY, I WOULD SAY, WE EMPLOY AT LEAST ONE PERSON BASED OFF OF THAT, IF WE HAVE A BIGGER WEEK, PROBABLY TWO OR THREE PEOPLE.

>> Reporter: IT IS A TRICKLE- DOWN SYSTEM, THE PRESIDENT AND KOFI UNDER SAID ASBURY PARK DINNER TABLE HAS USED DONATIONS TO PURCHASE MEALS FROM LOCAL RESTAURANTS SINCE MARCH OF 2020.

>> I KNOW WE HAVE AT LEAST TWO RESTAURANTS RIGHT NOW WHO WE ARE KEEPING THEM OPEN.

>> Reporter: THE FOOD GOES TO CHURCHES AND SENIOR AND DISABLED PUBLIC HOUSING TO DISTRIBUTE TO PEOPLE IN NEED.

>> ANY RESTAURANT CAN APPLY.

>> Reporter: IN JULY, VOLUNTEERS OF ASBURY PARK DINNER TABLE PROBABLY HELD UP SIGNS MARKING 45 THOUSAND MEALS PREPARED AND SERVED TO THOSE IN NEED THAT NUMBER HAS SINCE HIT 102,000.

>> IT HAS SLOWED DOWN, THAT WAS PARTIALLY DUE TO OUR CAPACITY FINANCIALLY.

>> PUTTING PEOPLE TO WORK, HELPING FEED PEOPLE, KEEPING BUSINESSES OPEN, WE FEEL LIKE IT HAS SO MANY POSITIVES.

>> Reporter: THAT IS WHY THE NEW JERSEY ECONOMIC FACILITY HAS ANNOUNCED IT WILL GIVE $14 MILLION OF GRANTS TO 27 ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT THE STATE TO USE THE SAME MODEL.

>> USE THAT MONEY TO BUY MEALS IN BULK FROM LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND THEY WILL BE PURCHASED BY PLACES LIKE HOMELESS SHELTERS, HOSPITALS, FOUNDATIONS, COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS, SOUP KITCHENS AND BE DISTRIBUTED FOR FREE.

IT WAS IMPORTANT TO US AND TO BUILD ON THE GOVERNORS FOCUS THAT WE DESIGNATED THESE FUNDS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES.

ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS THAT THE MEALS ARE PURCHASE FROM, THEY HAVE TO HAVE 60 EMPLOYEES OR LESS.

>> HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO SECURE THIS MONEY?

>> THIS IS A COMBINATION OF FUNDING FROM THE EDA AS WELL AS FEDERAL C.A.R.E.S.

ACT DOLLARS.

>> Reporter: THEY SAY IT ANTICIPATES MORE THAN 1.5 MILLION MEALS WILL BE PURCHASED THAT MORE THAN 160 RESTAURANTS ACROSS THE STATE WITH THIS POOL OF MONEY.

>> IT IS AMAZING, IT IS FANTASTIC.

>> Reporter: HER NONPROFIT CURRENTLY BUYS FROM SEVEN LOCAL RESTAURANTS.

>> WE RECEIVED $108,000, THAT PUTS US ABLE TO SPEND ABOUT $10,000 A WEEK, YOU KNOW, $10,000 OF CASH FLOW TO OUR RESTAURANT AND TELL JUNE, AT THE SPRINT TO THE HIGH SEASON RIGHT NOW.

>> Reporter: ALL THE HELP IS PLAYING OFF FOR SHANNON, SHE WAS ABLE TO TAKE A NEW CHEF TO TAKE OVER STARTING MONDAY SO SHE COULD GO BACK TO HER INTENDED ROLE.

SHE SAYS THEY HAVE ALSO BEEN ABLE TO REHIRE EVERYONE THAT WAS CUT LAST YEAR.

A REALITY JULIE HOPES FOR ALL THE PLACES SHE HOPES TO SUPPORT.

I'M LEAH MISHKIN FOR "NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS".

>>> THAT REALITY DOES APPEAR TO BE GETTING CLOSER WITH VACCINE SUPPLY RAMPING UP A NEW DAILY INFECTION RATE STABILIZING, HEALTH LEADERS ARE REPORTING MORE THAN 2800 NEW POSITIVE TESTS TODAY AND 48 MORE LIVES LOST, THE DEVASTATING TOLL OF THIS PANDEMIC IN CLEARVIEW AS WE NEAR THE STATES ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE CORONAVIRUS EMERGING HERE, WITH PLENTY OF ISSUES TO ADDRESS, THE VACCINE ROLLOUT AMONG THEM AND THE LENGTHS TO WHICH SOME PEOPLE HAVE GONE JUST TO GET ONE.

OUR HEALTHCARE REPORTER DUG INTO THAT AND SO MUCH MORE WITH DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COMMISSIONER JUDY PERCY KILLIAN, DR. EDDIE, MEDICAL ADVISER FOR THE STATES CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE IN THIS SPECIAL REPORT.

>> THE PUBLIC IS STRUGGLING WITH THE SCHEDULING AND REGISTRATION SYSTEM FOR THE VACCINE AND THE HOTLINE AND THEY SAID BECOME AN ISSUE, IT'S REALLY SORT OF A FLASHPOINT WITH THE PUBLIC.

THE GOVERNOR DOES LIKE TO SAY, THE VACCINE, AT LEAST YOU KNEW THAT WAS COMING, YOU DIDN'T KNOW THE NATURE OF THE VIRUS BUT YOU KNEW THERE WOULD BE A VACCINE AND THE QUESTION WAS WHEN.

I THINK THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO WONDER WHY IS THIS NOT WORKING BETTER?

>> WE BUILT THE SYSTEM AND IT HAS HAD SOME HICCUPS, CERTAINLY, I DON'T THINK WE REALIZED WHEN WE BROUGHT IT UP THAT IMMEDIATELY, 2 1/2 MILLION PEOPLE WOULD REGISTER, YOU KNOW, WE KNEW THERE WAS A LOT OF VACCINE HESITANCY IN JERSEY, WE ARE KNOWN FOR VACCINE HESITANCY AND IMMEDIATELY, OVER 2 MILLION PEOPLE REGISTERED.

AT A TIME WHEN WE WERE GETTING AND ANTICIPATING TO GET VERY LITTLE VACCINE.

SO, WE HAVE A SUPPLY ISSUE WITH THE VACCINE AND WE HAVE A HUGE DEMAND AND WE COULD NOT SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS, WE STILL CANNOT SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS.

WE HAVE A MEETING EVERY DAY, WE KNOW EXACTLY HOW MANY APPOINTMENTS OVER 300 SITES, HAMI APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE AND IF WE HAVE 100, IT IS A LOT.

SO, WE HAVE NEVER DONE SOMETHING, I TALKED TO MORE OF MY COLLEAGUES, THE COMMISSIONERS, WE SPEND OUR TIME COMMISERATING WITH ONE ANOTHER AND THEN SOLVING PROBLEMS.

EVERYBODY IS HAVING TROUBLE WITH REGISTRATION, AND THEN IT'S A TWO DOSE REGIMEN.

ONE DOSE REGIMEN, SORT OF LIKE THE FLU, WE START TO TRACK, YOU KNOW, VACCINE STEWARDSHIP AND MAKING SURE THEY ARE THE RIGHT TEMPERATURES, THE RIGHT CONSTITUTION, THE RIGHT DOSES, EVERY LOT NUMBER HAS TO BE IDENTIFIED PER PERSON.

BUT ONE DOSE IS A LOT EASIER TO DO, TO REGISTER, MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, AND DELIVER.

ONE IS 21 DAYS APART AND THE OTHERS 28 DAYS APART.

SO, IT IS A TOUGH SYSTEM.

GETTING THERE, WE ARE GETTING THERE.

SCIENCE IS DIFFICULT, THE SCIENCE WITH US HAS BEEN CHANGING.

I KEEP THINKING MASKS, ONE DAY WE WEREN'T WEARING THEM BECAUSE OF ALL THESE REASONS IN THE NEXT DAY WITH, WE ARE SUPPOSED TO.

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT IN THIS PARTICULAR SITUATION?

HOW DO YOU THINK THE STATE HAS DONE AND WHAT ARE SOME OF THOSE CHALLENGES?

>> MANY PEOPLE WILL LISTEN.

OTHERS WANT.

OTHERS DON'T WANT TO, OTHERS HAVE PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS OR BELIEFS THAT YOU HAVE TO ADDRESS BECAUSE IT BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT.

THEN, WHAT THE VACCINES, WE HAVE NOVEL VACCINES, I'M NOT GOING TO CALL THEM A MIRACLE BECAUSE IT'S NOT A MIRACLE WHEN YOU DEVOTE A LOT OF MONEY AND YOU HAVE A PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP IN DEVELOPING NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND NEW VACCINES, THAT IT IS SPECTACULAR WHAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED.

IT'S MAYBE NOT EQUIVALENT, BUT THE ANALOGY IS GETTING TO MARS, I MEAN, THAT IS AN AMAZING TECHNOLOGY TOO.

DEVELOPING VACCINES FROM WHEN YOU FIRST IDENTIFY THE VIRUS AND HAVING TWO AVAILABLE IN LESS THAN A YEAR, THAT HAVE SPECTACULAR RESULTS WITH AN EXCELLENT SAFETY PROFILE IS IN A WAY A MIRACLE.

IT WILL BE CHALLENGING AS NEW VACCINES BECOME AVAILABLE, THEY WILL ALL HAVE DIFFERENT ATTRIBUTES AND WE WILL HAVE TO MESSAGE APPROPRIATELY ABOUT THE ADVANTAGES OF HAVING ONE DOSE OR TWO DOSES.

>> FOR A DEEPER LOOK INSIDE THE STATES RESPONSE, CHECK OUT THE FULL INTERVIEW AND STORY AT NJ SPOTLIGHT AND IS.

>>> CATCH CHAT BOX WITH DAVID CRUZ, LIVE THURSDAY NIGHT AT 6:30 P.M. ON OUR "NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS" YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

SEND QUESTIONS AHEAD OF TIME TO CHAT BOX AT NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.COM OR ASK THEM LIVE ON THE STREAM.

THAT DOES IT FOR TONIGHT BUT HEAD OVER TO OUR WEBSITE WORDS SOCIAL CHANNELS TO CONTINUE FOLLOWING THE REPORTING.

I AM BRIAND OF A NOSY, THANKS FOR BEING WITH US.

WE WILL SEE YOU TOMORROW.

>>> THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJ BARNABUS HEALTH.

LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND OR STATIN, 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 AN ESL 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 BE AN AMERICAN.

MY NAME IS JULIET, AND I AM PROUD TO BE A AND JE A MEMBER.