Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced today that 672 pounds of processed venison harvested through its Deer Management Program has been donated to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) in Hillside. The venison will be distributed to food pantries and community partners that help feed families experiencing food insecurity across Union County.

“Every family deserves access to nutritious, high-quality food. This donation reflects our commitment to caring for our community and ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “We are grateful to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey for their partnership and proud that this program supports our residents while preserving the natural spaces that make Union County such a special place to live.”

This donation supports CFBNJ’s mission to provide nutritious food throughout the region while also advancing the County’s efforts to protect public safety, promote healthy forests, and maintain balanced wildlife populations in its park system. The Deer Management Program is administered by the Department of Engineering, Public Works & Facilities Management and utilizes trained, licensed volunteer archery hunters to safely and responsibly reduce and stabilize deer populations in designated County and municipal park properties.

Over time, an overpopulation of white-tailed deer can damage native vegetation, prevent forest regeneration, increase roadway collisions, and reduce the overall ecological health of natural lands. The County’s program is designed to maintain deer populations at sustainable levels recommended by forest ecologists, while ensuring public safety and environmental balance.

“This program is grounded in responsible management and long-term planning,” said Edward T. Oatman, Union County Manager. “By managing deer populations responsibly, we are protecting our forests, reducing vehicle collisions, and helping prevent the spread of tick-borne illnesses. At the same time, we are providing a healthy, locally sourced food supply to families in need through our partnership with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. It’s a thoughtful approach to stewardship and community care.”

All venison donated through the program is processed at a USDA-certified facility, ensuring safety and quality. In recent seasons, the Deer Management Program has donated several thousand pounds of venison to CFBNJ — providing tens of thousands of meals to residents.

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, headquartered in Hillside, serves more than 800,000 New Jersey residents each year through food distribution, support programs, and partnerships with local food pantries, shelters, and community organizations. To learn more or support their work, visit: www.cfbnj.org.

For more information about the Union County Deer Management Program, including site locations and environmental impact details, visit https://ucnj.org/engineering-public-works-facilities-management/deer-management/. 

The Union County Board of County Commissioners today announced the expansion of the countywide “Stock the Shelves” food drive, with additional municipal partners, local businesses and drop-off locations now available for residents who wish to support families and individuals experiencing hardship during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The effort continues to support households affected by the temporary interruption of November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, as well as federal workers currently impacted.

“Union County continues to step up for our community,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “As more residents, organizations, and municipalities join this effort, we strengthen the support network for families who are struggling. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.”

Since launching last week, the County has partnered with municipal offices across Union County to provide additional donation drop-off sites. Residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable food and essential household items at any participating location.

Current Donation Drop-Off Locations:
This list will continue to grow as additional partners are confirmed. Please check www.ucnj.org/food-drive for the latest updates.

Berkeley Heights – Municipal Complex
29 Park Avenue

Elizabeth – County Prosecutor Building
32 Rahway Avenue

Elizabeth – Gateway Family YMCA
135 Madison Avenue

Fanwood – Memorial Library
5 Forest Road

Scotch Plains – County Engineering Building
2325 South Avenue

Scotch Plains – Scotch Plains Municipal Building
430 Park Avenue

Scotch Plains – Scotch Plains Dept. of Public Works
2445 Plainfield Avenue

Scotch Plains – Scotch Plains Public Library
1927 Bartle Avenue

Garwood – Borough Hall
403 South Avenue

Mountainside – Trailside Nature & Science Center
452 New Providence Road

Plainfield – City Hall
515 Watchung Avenue

Rahway – Gateway Family YMCA
1564 Irving Street

Rahway – City Hall
1 City Hall Plaza

Roselle – Warinanco Sports Center
1 Park Drive

Roselle Park – Casano Community Center
314 Chestnut Street

Summit – UPS Store
55 Union Place

Union – Gateway Family YMCA
1000 Galloping Hill Road

Union – Colombian Club
1034 Jeanette Avenue

Westfield – County Public Safety Building
400 North Avenue East

Westfield – Municipal Building
425 East Broad Street

Westfield – Club Pilates
225 East Broad Street

A continually updated list of drop-off sites is available at: www.ucnj.org/food-drive.

“We are incredibly grateful to our municipal partners, local businesses, organizations and of course our residents for stepping forward so quickly,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “This is what community looks like — neighbors helping neighbors, local organizations working side-by-side, and public agencies coordinating to ensure that no family is left without support.”

What to donate:

Food Items:

• Canned vegetables, fruits, meats, soups, tomato products
• Rice, pasta, dry beans, cereal, oatmeal
• Peanut butter, jelly, cooking oil, shelf-stable milk

Household & Personal Care Items:

• Soap, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant
• Feminine hygiene products
• Toilet paper, paper towels

Baby Essentials:

• Formula, baby food, diapers, wipes
  

All donations must be non-perishable, unopened, and within expiration dates.

Any organizations and businesses interested in participating may email: UCCares@ucnj.org. The full list of drop-off locations will be displayed and updated at www.ucnj.org/food-drive.

If you would like to make a financial contribution, please donate directly to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, which supports hunger relief organizations across Union County: https://cfbnj.org/.

For more information, please contact Judith Guest at (908) 527-4388 or via email at Judith.Guest@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, along with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, invite all county residents to ring in the holiday season on the ice rink with Santa Claus at “Celebrate the Season,” Union County’s annual celebration at Warinanco Sports Center on Sunday, December 7th.

“Celebrate the Season is a winter staple in Union County, and it continues to bring holiday cheer to our residents year after year,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “No December is complete without a day filled with ice skating, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. Traditions like these keep Union County filled with holiday magic for all ages.”

This year’s Celebrate the Season will be taking place in three sessions within the hours of 11:00am to 6:30pm:

Session 1
11:00am – 1:00 pm

Session 2
1:45 pm – 3:45 pm

Session 3
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Admission is $8.00 per person and includes entry for a two–hour session, one (1) skate rental, along with hot chocolate and cookies. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.warinancopark.com and will not be available at the door. Everyone entering the building must have a ticket, whether or not they skate. Children under 2 years of age are free. Space is limited to 275 people.

The Warinanco Sports Center is located in Warinanco Park, 1 Park Drive in Roselle, off St. Georges Avenue. For more information about this event, please visit warinancopark.com or call 908-298-7850.

To learn more about the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation and its programs, please visit www.ucnj.org/parks-recreation. To stay informed about County events, services, and offerings, download the free Explore Union County mobile app.

The Union County Human Relations Commission (UCHRC) is sponsoring a free, virtual, bilingual educational webinar to help residents understand their rights under New Jersey’s housing discrimination laws and learn what steps to take if they experience discrimination.

The webinars, presented by the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, will be held via Zoom from 6:00PM to 7:30 PM, in English on Monday, November 10th, and in Spanish on Thursday, November 13th. 

Pre-registration is required. 

“We’re proud to partner with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (NJDCR) to offer these webinars,” said UCHRC Co-Chair Flor Gonzalez, who also serves as president of Plainfield’s Latin American Coalition. 

“Housing discrimination in New Jersey is illegal, with strong protections enforced by the NJDCR,” she added.  “Residents need to know they’re protected by two powerful laws — New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination (LAD), and the Fair Chance in Housing Act (FCHA) — and understand what actions they can take if they believe they have been discriminated against.”

New Jersey’s LAD prohibits housing discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on protected characteristics including a person’s race, color, religion, creed, national origin, nationality or ancestry, sex, pregnancy or breastfeeding, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, familial status (such as having children under the age of 18), marital status or domestic partnership/civil union status, military service liability,  and/or source of lawful income (including rental assistance such as Section 8.)

“The law applies to all housing providers, including landlords, property managers, real estate agents, brokers, condo associations, and lenders, among others,” said UCHRC Co-Chair Chanell Johnson, an Assistant Prosecutor with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, which created the UCHRC in 1991.

“Examples of discrimination include refusing to rent to someone using a housing voucher, advertising “no kids” or “working professionals only,” charging higher rent based on race or nationality, or steering tenants to certain areas based on ethnicity,” Johnson added.

The webinar will also cover the FCHA, common forms of housing discrimination, and how to file a civil rights complaint through the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights. 

Register for the English presentation online at https://shorturl.at/KoamO. 

Register for the Spanish presentation online at https://shorturl.at/HVAb3.

The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights works to prevent, remedy, and eliminate discrimination and bias-based harassment, and offers a wide variety of Interactive virtual and in-person training.  For more information, visit the New Jersey Attorney General’s website at https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-on-civil-rights-home/.

For more information about the Union County Human Relations Commission, visit www.ucnj.org/uchrc, or email UCPO@UCPO.com (SUBJECT LINE UCHRC).  

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and caregivers to the upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events in November to explore the wide range of senior programs and resources available. These events allow attendees to meet face-to-face with experienced professionals who can provide expert guidance and assistance with a variety of services, including form completion. Bilingual staff will be available on several dates in November to provide support in Spanish.

“Our mission with the ASK program is to provide residents with free and convenient access to vital information and resources that are available to our senior community and their caregivers,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “If you are a senior, a caregiver, or know someone who is, we welcome you to attend one of our ASK events in November and discover how this valuable program can be of service to you.”

The Aging Services Kiosk is operated explicitly by the Division on Aging, a branch of the Union County Department of Human Services. It offers adults aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue to discover valuable programs and services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.

Staff at ASK locations can help older adults and caregivers connect with various services, including home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or caregiver can visit any ASK kiosk, regardless of their hometown.  No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in November:

Wednesday, November 5th

(Bilingual staff available)

Garwood Public Library

411 Third Avenue, Garwood

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Thursday, November 13th

(Bilingual staff available)

Elizabeth Public Library – Main

11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Thursday, November 20th

Clark Public Library

303 Westfield Avenue, Clark

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, November 25th

(Bilingual staff available)

Union Public Library

1980 Morris Avenue, Union

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“ASK events are staffed by friendly and knowledgeable experts from our Division on Aging who are eager to help the elderly gain more independence and improve their day-to-day lives. They serve as a real support system for our senior community when they need it most,” said Union County Commissioner and Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging, James Baker.

For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners today announced the launch of a countywide food drive “Stock the Shelves,” to support residents who may be experiencing hardship as a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown, including those affected by the temporary interruption of November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits and federal employees currently out of work. The County is coordinating this effort to help restock community food pantries and assist families, seniors, and individuals in need in the days ahead.

Beginning Monday, November 3rd, residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable food and essential household items at designated drop-off sites across Union County. Additional locations will be added on a rolling basis as community partners participate.

“We know this situation is creating uncertainty for many families,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Union County is taking action to ensure our residents have support while federal benefits are interrupted. We’re asking those who are able to donate to join us in this effort. Together, we can help keep our community strong.”

Initial County Drop-Off Locations
• Union County Prosecutor’s Office – 32 Rahway Avenue, Elizabeth
• Union County Public Safety Building — 400 N. Avenue E., Westfield
• Union County Department of Public Works & Engineering — 2371 South Avenue, Scotch Plains

A continually updated list of drop-off sites will be available at: www.ucnj.org/food-drive.

“Across Union County, our food pantries and community organizations are doing everything they can to meet increased demand,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “This food drive is about making sure they are not doing it alone. I want to thank our residents for always stepping up — this is what Union County is about. When we come together as neighbors helping neighbors, we ensure that no one in our community is left without support.”

Please Note: Union County is only accepting food and essential household items as donations. This is a list of acceptable items:

Canned Goods

• Vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, green beans)
• Fruits (in juice or light syrup)
• Meats (tuna, chicken, salmon, ham)
• Beans (black, kidney, chickpeas, baked beans)
• Soups, stews, and chili
• Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes

Dry Goods & Grains

• Rice (white, brown, or instant)
• Pasta and noodles
• Macaroni and cheese
• Instant mashed potatoes
• Dry beans or lentils
• Cereal and oatmeal

Pantry Staples

• Peanut butter and jelly
• Flour, sugar, and cornmeal
• Cooking oil
• Pancake mix and syrup
• Shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives
• Coffee, tea, or hot cocoa mix

Snacks & Ready-to-Eat Items

• Crackers, granola bars, trail mix
• Fruit cups, applesauce, pudding cups

Personal Care & Household Items

• Soap, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant
• Feminine hygiene products
• Toilet paper and paper towels

Baby Care Essentials

• Diapers (all sizes)
• Baby wipes
• Baby formula and infant cereal
• Baby food (in jars or pouches)

All donations should be non-perishable, unopened, and within expiration dates.

If anyone is interested in being a drop-off location, please email: UCCares@ucnj.org. The full list of drop-off locations will be displayed and updated at www.ucnj.org/food-drive .

If you would like to make a financial contribution, please donate directly to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, which supports hunger relief organizations across Union County: https://cfbnj.org/.

For more information, please contact Judith Guest at (908) 527-4388 or via email at Judith.Guest@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in coordination with the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning, is encouraging all Union County residents to join in making this traditionally orange season a little greener by participating in the Pumpkin Recycling Program, returning this November. Residents can recycle their retired Jack o’ Lanterns, decorative pumpkins, and other gourds from Monday, November 3rd, through Friday, November 28th, at any participating location during its operating hours.

“Our pumpkin recycling program gives the pumpkins we’ve enjoyed carving, decorating, and displaying this season a new, greener purpose. It’s one more way we can reduce the strain on our public landfills and keep our environment clean and flourishing,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “I welcome residents to take advantage of this program and visit any of the participating locations this November for an easy and convenient drop off.”

The Pumpkin Recycling Program of 2025 will run from Monday, November 3rd, through Friday, November 28th, at the following six locations:

Berkeley Heights
DPW facility located next to Town Hall | Monday through Friday from 6:30 am to 3:00 pm
1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 9:00 am to noon
Elizabeth
523 Trenton Avenue | Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 6 pm
Saturdays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm | Sundays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Kenilworth
401 Sheridan Avenue | Fridays from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm
2nd Saturday of the month from 7:30 am to noon
Plainfield
95 Rock Avenue | Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm (drop-off until 2:45 pm)

Union Township
1 Swanstrom Place East | Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Westfield
1300 Lamberts Mill Road | Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Residents from any Union County municipality can use any of the six locations, regardless of their hometown. Only pumpkins and gourds will be accepted at these locations, with candles and decorations removed. Other food waste will not be accepted.

When the Pumpkin Recycling Program concludes, the pumpkins will be sent to the CORe facility in Elizabeth, which is operated by Waste Management. The company’s specialized recycling process converts food waste into organic slurry, which is used to enhance the production of biogas and other renewable products at local wastewater treatment plants.

Food Waste is a global issue that contributes to excess greenhouse gas emissions, placing financial burdens on local governments for waste disposal. Although the world discards approximately 2.5 billion tons of food annually, the United States wastes more food than any country, discarding nearly 60 million tons. This amounts to 120 billion pounds of food each year, which is estimated to be almost 40% of the entire US food supply. This is equivalent to almost $218 billion, or 130 billion meals.

Traditionally, food waste is sent to landfills or burned in waste-to-energy facilities. However, new organic recycling systems offer a more sustainable approach to managing food waste. Residents can also help reduce food waste by using up leftovers and donating unused shelf items before their sell-by date expires.

For more information, upcoming dates, and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at www.ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.