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 County Commissioners will present an Emergency Food Distribution Event on Thursday, April 22nd in Essex County Independence Park in Newark to help families negatively impacted by the Coronavirus. The 500 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.
It will be held as follows:
Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
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 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” County Commissioner President Wayne 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.
