City of Newark Distributes Nearly 2 Million Meals to Residents to Relieve COVID-19 Stress

[Newark, NJ-August 11, 2020] Mayor Ras J. Baraka today announced that along with Newark Public Schools breakfast and lunch program, the City’s food relief program is closing in on delivering 2 million meals to Newark residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, since the program began in March. The City itself has delivered 1,063,213 meals by itself to date, while the Newark Public Schools has delivered close to 1 million meals.

Residents in all five wards have received these meals, including Newark Housing Authority residents, senior citizens, residents without addresses, and homeless people in shelters and temporary housing. In addition, more than 5,272 ShopRite gift cards have been given out.

“We have a moral obligation during these difficult times to do everything we can to support our community,” said Mayor Baraka. “This would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of our incredible partners who without hesitation stepped up to bring relief to those in need. This is what the City of Newark does in these times, we come together, for the greater good. This is what it means to be Newark Strong.”

“I am extremely proud of our collected efforts in providing meals to all of the children and their families during these uncertain times,” said Newark’s Superintendent of Schools Roger León. “In collaboration with the Mayor and the City of Newark, we have made great strides at caring for the children and all of our residents.”

To see list of partners who were integral to the food operation, whether providing meals or distributing them to the residents throughout Newark, and Mayor’s ShopRite Gift Card Program, see here: https://bit.ly/31ymUnS

On Wednesdays, the food operation is made possible by Hello Fresh, Table to Table, and volunteers who assemble food items that serve eight meals per family.

Residents who are in need of food can request to be added to the Wednesday distribution list by contacting the Office of the Mayor at 973-733-3274 or 973-344-3942, or by sending a message via the City of Newark’s Facebook page.

-NEWARK-

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