United Way of Greater Newark Partners with Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Salvation Army to Meet Critical Food Needs

Partnership supports food distribution efforts among food pantries and nonprofit organizations working to help feed Newark residents in need

(Newark, NJ) April 24, 2020 – Today, Catherine Wilson, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Newark (UWGN) announced the organization is partnering with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) and the Salvation Army to facilitate food distribution efforts in Newark and meet local food needs during the COVID-19 crisis. This coordination is part of the larger Community COVID-19 Fund providing critical aid to address individual, public health, non-profit and long-term recovery needs.

To meet local food needs, UWGN is accepting intake forms from food pantries and other nonprofit organizations that do not traditionally provide food assistance but have volunteered to distribute food during the COVID-19 pandemic. On this form, organizations can request food and/or request support for deliveries. Once the intake form is received, UWGN will collaborate with the CFBNJ and the Salvation Army to meet the requests. Currently, 27 organizations are participating with this food distribution effort. If you are a food pantry and/or organization currently operating in Newark, NJ, fill out this form.

“Food insecurity is a widespread problem that, unfortunately, existed long before the coronavirus pandemic. However, this crisis has shed light on just how stark the problem really is,” said Wilson. “It’s been amazing to see many organizations who do not normally distribute food volunteer to help with food distribution in our community, and we are grateful to those organizations as well as our partners for their commitment to supporting Newark residents during this difficult time.”

“As countless people face the realities of layoffs, missed paychecks, and a lack of access to free school meals, the need for food assistance has never been greater,” said Carlos Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “CFBNJ is grateful for UWGN, the Salvation Army, and all of our partners whose work in the fight against hunger is especially critical during this crisis. Together, we’re providing vital support to our New Jersey neighbors, whether they were already struggling prior to the pandemic or are finding themselves in need for the first time in their lives.”

“The Salvation Army has been part of the Newark community for more than 140 years and we look forward to serving our community for many more years to come. Due to our existing presence during times such as these we are ready, willing, and able to mobilize quickly to meet community needs,” said Nemin Jaya, Director of Administration for The Salvation Army. “We are honored to partner with United Way, the Community Food Bank of NJ, and numerous other community partners. It’s great to see the collaborative efforts.”

UWGN’s food distribution efforts are part of its Community COVID-19 Fund that is committing resources to address individual relief, public health needs, non-profit/social service relief and long-term recovery needs. For more information about the UWGN’s food distribution efforts and its commitment to serving the community or to make a donation, please visit: www.UWNewark.org

About United Way of Greater Newark

United Way of Greater Newark’s (UWGN) mission is to disrupt the cycle of poverty by convening, collaborating and investing in strategies to improve outcomes for children and families. UWGN has a long history of convening disaster funds in the community, including having established the 9/11 fund, the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund and, most recently, the Newark Water Fund. In order to continue providing support to the community and its non-profit partners during the COVID-19 crisis, UWGN has established the Community COVID-19 Fund. This is a regional fund serving its 13-municipality footprint including Newark, Irvington, East Orange, West Orange, South Orange, Orange, Belleville, Nutley, Maplewood, Kearny, Harrison, East Newark and North Arlington.

For more information about United Way of Greater Newark, please visit UWGreaterNewark.org. Follow us on Twitter: @UWGreaterNewark and #LiveUnited.

###