NEWARK, N.J. – Officials from Newark Public Schools, the City of Newark, Weequahic High School, and Chancellor Avenue School welcomed representatives and volunteers from HelloFresh, the world’s leading meal kit provider, today and distributed 1,500 meals to students before Spring Break.
Newark Public Schools will be closed for Spring Break from Friday, April 18 through Friday, April 25. For many students, any time when schools are closed raises concerns of where their meals will come from. That is why Newark Public Schools, the City of Newark, and HelloFresh will distribute 1,500 HelloFresh boxes with kid-friendly meals and side dishes, and resources from No Kid Hungry that include information on SNAP benefits and where to find free local meals.
CLICK HERE for b-roll video of the event.
“Ensuring that our students have access to nutritious meals—even when schools are closed—is a top priority,” said Superintendent León. “We are proud to partner with the City of Newark and HelloFresh to support families during Spring Break. These 1,500 meal kits will not only provide food, but also peace of mind. I want to thank everyone involved for stepping up for our students and making a real difference.”
“One of the most important gifts we can give our young students is to impart the value of consistent, dependable relationships,” said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. “Delivering these meals does much more than care for their physical wellbeing; it teaches the full meaning of service, and our responsibility to each other. By going the extra mile, Newark Public Schools and HelloFresh show our kids and their families what a caring community looks like. And it is the City’s honor to partner with them.”
“This partnership with HelloFresh and the City of Newark reflects our deep commitment to supporting the whole child,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “We know that learning doesn’t stop when school doors close, and neither does our responsibility to ensure that students are healthy, safe, and cared for. These meal kits will go a long way in helping families over Spring Break, and we are grateful to everyone who made this effort possible.”
“Spring break should be a time that is reserved for fun. However, for a staggering number of kids who rely on in-school meals, school breaks are characterized by worry over where their next meal is coming from,” said Jeff Yorzyk, Senior Director of Sustainability for HelloFresh. “We’re proud to partner with Newark Public Schools and City of Newark to ensure students have access to nutritious food this break and beyond.”