County of Union, New Jersey

Updated: Due to a winter storm forecast from Sunday evening into Tuesday, the food distribution event in Plainfield will be moved from February 2 to Thursday, February 4.

Union County, NJ – The Board of County Commissioners announces that an emergency food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by COVID-19 will be held on Thursday, February 4 at Gerald B. Green Plaza located at 200 W. 2^nd Street in Plainfield

The food distribution is open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The event will take place rain or shine.

The food distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union With support from Village Supermarket and Gargiulo Produce.

“Food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to be able to continue providing this valuable resource to the residents in the western part of Union County.”

“Residents continue to face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity and we are working hard to help everyone put food on their tables,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “We thank Village Supermarket and Gargiulo Produce for their partnership in this effort.”

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indicate how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols.

Walk-up recipients must wear masks at all times and maintain social distance.  Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about the Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.   

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are looking to add variety, spice, and healthy ingredients to their home cooked meals can find guidance online from the experts, through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County.

“Cooking at home is recommended as an effective strategy for improving health and well-being, and it is all the more important during the winter months when outdoor activities are limited,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to support the Extension in its efforts to provide the public with expert, fact-based research on healthy meals.”

Studies show that interest in home cooking and comfort foods has skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Home cooks are also expanding their use of new products and different ingredients.

Online learning topics include:

• The many benefits of squash, including Vitamin A, fiber, antioxidants and minerals (visit Health Tips at org/rce).
• Food safety tips for pregnant women (visit Health Tips at org/rce).
• Five ways to plan for family meals (visit Small Steps to Health and Wealth at rutgers.edu or Family Meals at ucnj.org/rce).
• How to choose foods that boost energy, and reduce stress (visit Small Steps to Health and Wealth at rutgers.edu).

Guidance for following a Mediterranean diet is also available at ucnj.org/rce.

A complete online edition of Small Steps to Health and Wealth is available at njaes.rutgers.edu/sshw.

To see new research on food trends for 2021 from Rutgers, visit njaes.rutgers.edu.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is supported in part by the Union County Board of Commissioners, with offices at the Union County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. The Extension belongs to a statewide research and youth development program run in New Jersey by the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, as part of the national Cooperative Extension network of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For more health tips and information on popular Rutgers Cooperative Extension programs for Union County residents, including Environmental Stewards, Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards, and 4-H youth activities, visit ucnj.org/rce or call 908-654-9854.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are seeking ways to help the environment this year can start by bringing reusable grocery bags to the supermarket, and skipping single-use bags.

“Switching to reusable grocery bags is a simple but effective way for everyone to help cut down on waste and litter pollution, and start getting into the ‘Choose to Reuse’ habit,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Single-use grocery bags have become notorious symbols of waste and litter. They pollute waterways and harm wildlife and marine animals, which often mistake them for food.

Whether made of paper or plastic, single-use grocery bags consume vast amounts of energy and raw materials, but they are only used for about 12 minutes on average. They are easily torn or damaged, which prevents them from being reused even once.

In contrast, reusable bags are sturdy and can last for years.

On November 4, 2020, the New Jersey State Legislature passed a ban on single-use paper and plastic grocery bags that goes into effect in May of 2022. Union County residents can plan ahead by making the switch to reusable bags now.

Here are some additional facts about plastic bags:*

• Up to 80 percent of ocean plastic pollutionenters the ocean from land.
• At least 267 different specieshave been impacted by ocean plastic pollution.
• 100,000 marine animalsare killed by plastic bags every year.
• One in three leatherback sea turtleshave been found with plastic in their stomachs.
• Plastic bags degrade into microplastic particles that continue to pollute.
• The average family in the U.S. takes home almost 1,500 plastic shopping bags a year.
• An average only 15 of every 1,500 plastic bags are recycled in the U.S.

For more information about recycling programs and events hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle. For on-the-go updates on all local and countywide recycling programs download the free Recycle Coach app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

*Source: The Center for Biological Diversity.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – Families looking for fun outdoor activities during the Presidents’ Day weekend are invited to visit Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside for a series of special outdoor programs. The programs are recommended for families with children ages four and older, and COVID-19 prevention guidelines apply.

“The February Festivities series at Trailside offers creative and educational programs for all ages, in the natural setting of Union County’s Watchung Reservation,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

All programs will be offered each day on Saturday, February 13, Sunday, February 14 and Monday, February 15, weather permitting.

The complete list of outdoor activities includes:

• The Journey of Sap to Syrup from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Visitors will learn how real maple syrup is made from the sap of a sugar maple tree.
• Remarkable Raptors from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.  Meet a live hawk and owl from the Tenafly Nature Center.  Discover the interesting life of a raptor.
• Joe Fischer’s Hocus Pocus Magic Show from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon filled with the perfect blend of magic, audience participation, comedy and excitement.
• Winter Walk Scavenger Hunt from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Search for buck rubs, animal tracks, nibbled twigs and other signs that tell us our animal neighbors have visited.

A second magic show will be offered on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 15 only, from 2:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Participants are also welcome to warm up around a campfire and enjoy some hot chocolate.

Pre-registration is required for all February Festivities programs. No walk-ins will be permitted. To register, visit ucnj.org/trailside.

The fee per person per class is $5.00 for Union County residents and $6.00 for non-county residents.

Masks are required and must be worn by all participants. Programs will be held in small groups in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Participants are advised to dress for the outdoors.

For additional information about the special programs offered during February Festivities and upcoming programs and activities for seniors, families and children at Trailside, please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670.

In-person activities in Union County parks are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with statewide public health guidelines, and Trailside is closed to the public until further notice.

Trailside is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on state vaccine planning are available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Saliva tests to be offered in Clark

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Board of Commissioners informs all residents that the Union County Mobile Test Unit will provide free COVID-19 saliva tests on Thursday, January 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Park, located at 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark.

No car is required and no appointment is necessary. All sites are available on a walk-up basis.

“Testing has been a cornerstone in our fight against COVID-19 and we encourage all Union County residents to use this free, convenient service,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Even if you have no symptoms of illness, it is important to get tested if you feel that you may have been exposed to the virus by someone else, or are at risk of exposing others.”

Any County resident can use any of the walk-up sites. Masks and social distance are required at all times.

For more details and to view the most updated schedule online visit ucnj.org/walkup, or call 908-214-7107 for assistance.

The Mobile Test Unit also visits locations such as senior residence buildings to provide on-site testing for vulnerable populations and other groups.

Municipal governments, non-profit organizations and community groups can request a visit by calling the Union County Office of Emergency Management at 908-654-9881.

Residents are urged to continue observing precautions against spreading the virus, including wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance, and washing hands frequently.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis at a drive-up event Scotch Plains, a drive-up/walk-up event in Roselle and a walk-up in Plainfield

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners will hold three food distributions events for Union County residents to aid those affected by COVID-19 in the month of January.

• Saturday, January 23 – 8:30 a.m. – Union County Vocational Technical School, 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains – Drive-up only
• Tuesday, January 26 – 10:00 a.m. – Gerald B. Green Plaza, 200 W. 2^nd Street, Plainfield – Walk-up only
• Saturday, January 30 – 8:30 a.m., Warinanco Park (Skating Rink), Roselle – Drive- up and Walk-up. Residents should use the Park Avenue entrance.

The food distributions are open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The events will take place rain or shine.

The food distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Supermarket and Gargiulo Produce.

“Food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to be able to continue providing this valuable resource in 2021 to our residents.”

“Residents continue to face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity and we are working hard to help everyone put food on their table,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “We thank Village Supermarket and Gargiulo Produce for their partnership in this effort.”

Residents wishing to pick up food at Union County Vocational Technical School must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated in Scotch Plains.

Residents picking up food at the Roselle distribution can arrive in a car or walk-up to the distribution site at Warinanco Park.

Walk-up recipients in Roselle and Plainfield must wear masks at all times and maintain social distance.  Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indicate how many people reside in teir household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle or walk-up recipient at each distribution event.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about the Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Classes are available for children, teens and adults.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a new schedule of online classes for Union County residents this winter, hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs. The schedule currently includes yoga, karate, and arts-and-crafts.

“The virtual classes are a fun way to stay connected with the Union County community and enjoy programs that exercise the body and the mind,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are currently planning additional activities, and we invite members of the public to contact the Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs with any ideas or suggestions they may have.”

All classes in the new 2021 Virtual Program are free and will be offered through the GoToMeeting platform. Registration is required in order to receive a GoToMeeting link for each session.

To register online visit the Union County website at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

The 2021 schedule is:

Yoga for Teens and Young Adults (Ages 13 – 36)

Mondays 5 pm – 6 pm

Session 1: January 25 – March 8 (No class 2/15)

Session 2: March 15 – April 19

Session 3: April 26 – June 7 (No class 5/31)

Karate for Kids (Ages 15 and under)

Wednesdays 7 pm – 7:45 pm

Session 1: January 27 – February 24

Session 2: March 10 – April 7

Session 3: April 21 – May 19

Session 4: June 2 – June 30

Karate for Teens and Young Adults (16 and up)

Wednesdays 8 pm – 8:45 pm

Session 1: January 27 – February 24

Session 2: March 10 – April 7

Session 3: April 21 – May 19

Session 4: June 2 – June 30

Arts & Crafts for Children (Ages 5-15)

Thursday, February 11, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Please note that participants must register at least three days before class begins. Supplies will be available for pick-up from the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, located in the County Administration Building in Elizabeth, at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza.

Arts & Crafts for Teens & Young Adults (Ages 16 & up)

Thursday, February 11, 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm. Please note that participants must register at least three days before class begins. Supplies will be available for pick-up from the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, located in the County Administration Building in Elizabeth, at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza.

For more information about the 2021 Virtual Program, or to discuss ideas and suggestions for additional classes, contact Nicole DeAugustine, Program Coordinator, ndeaugustine@ucnj.org or call the Union County Office for People with Disabilities and Special Needs, 908-527-4807 (for TTY dial 711).

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

For more information and updates on services related to the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Connect with Union County on social media.