This is a press release from Essex County. Press releases are official statements that have not been independently verified.
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders will present an Emergency Food Distribution Event on Thursday, September 24th in Essex County Independence Park in Newark to help families negatively impacted by the Coronavirus. The 1,000 boxes of food that will be distributed are meant to benefit families who have been forced out of work and are not able to afford food. This is the second time the Essex County Emergency Food Distribution will be held in Independence Park; the first time was two months ago on July 30th.
It will be held as follows:
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2020
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: Essex County Independence Park
Van Buren Street
Newark, NJ
The park is located between Oliver Street and Walnut Street in Newark’s Ironbound.
It will be held RAIN or SHINE.
“The Coronavirus has forced an enormous amount of people out of work and created food insecurity among residents who now have limited income or no income at all. We are pleased to present this Emergency Food Distribution Event to help those who are in dire need,” DiVincenzo said. “The Coronavirus has created uncertainty and unforeseen challenges for us all. We hope this emergency food distribution helps those families who are struggling,” he said, adding that additional emergency food distribution events will be scheduled on a weekly basis.
“The Coronavirus Pandemic has negatively affected our communities in a multitude of ways. Unfortunately, over the last few months, the number of Essex County residents requiring assistance to provide food for their families has increased. To that end, I am happy to join the County Administration in announcing that more food distribution events will be coming to different municipalities across the County. Providing service to our residents is something I take great pride in, and it is my hope the upcoming food distribution events will allow more Essex County residents in need to receive assistance,” Gill said.
“The Essex County Emergency Food Distribution Event that took place in Branch Brook Park at the end of April was a great success. We were able to hand out over 2,000 boxes of food to residents in need. Our goal is to duplicate that success in different towns across Essex County, and give all of our residents a chance to receive food in a location that is in close proximity to their community. I thank the County Administration for putting this plan in place, and I encourage all residents in need to participate over the next few months,” Richardson said.
The Food Distribution in Independence Park is entirely for walk ups. Since the boxes weigh about 35 pounds, residents are encouraged to bring a shopping cart with them. Residents should enter the park from Van Buren Street across from East Side High School. Residents are required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing; anyone not wearing a face covering will not be allowed to enter the park. In addition, residents are asked to not arrive to the site until 8 a.m. Residents will receive one box per family.
The emergency food boxes contain enough food to provide about 40 meals. They consist of a variety of non-perishable food such as oatmeal, rice, fruit, peanut butter, jelly, shelf stable milk and canned vegetables, chili, soup and ravioli. Items may vary based upon their availability.
