Distributions are a joint effort with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey
Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold two drive-up food distributions for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday, August 13th and Thursday, August 27th. Both events will begin at 9 a.m. at Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue, in Union. The distribution will take place in the parking lot located at the intersection of North Avenue and Morris Avenue. The food distributions will be first-come, first-served and no registration is required.
The food distributions are being sponsored and coordinated by the County of Union and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.
Feeding America, of which CFBNJ is a member, projects a 56% increase in food insecurity throughout New Jersey as a result of COVID-19–an additional 432,000 residents. This rate is higher than the national average of 46% and greater than any of New Jersey’s neighboring states.
In Union County, specifically, the projected food insecurity rate has risen from 8.2% to 12.9%.
“Food insecurity remains a major concern in these uncertain times,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “To that end, the Freeholder Board and the County continue to coordinate events such as these drive-up food distributions to assist our residents in any way we can.”
“As we all know, COVID-19 has affected all residents across Union County and this world. People are struggling with health issues, employment issues and food insecurity,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “These free food distributions are another example of the work being done by the Freeholder Board in support of all residents in need during this pandemic. We thank the partners and volunteers involved in coordinating these efforts.”
Residents who wish to pick up food must arrive in a car; walk-ups will not be accommodated.
Upon arrival, each driver will have to present identification with their name and address and indicate how many people reside in their household. Recipients will receive an emergency box of non-perishable items and fresh produce, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle.
“The increase in need for food assistance among our New Jersey neighbors during this crisis has been staggering, presenting a greater challenge than anything that the FoodBank has faced throughout its 45-year history,” said Carlos Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “Partnerships like the one that we have with Union County are what allow the FoodBank to continue its unprecedented response, reaching more individuals and families in need than ever before.”
Both events will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All 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 Community FoodBank of New Jersey, visit: https://cfbnj.org/.
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.
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