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Union County Announces Drive-Up Food Distribution at Kean University, July 23

UPDATED: July 21, 2020

Distribution is a joint effort with Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Produce donated by Stop & Shop will be distributed on a first come-first served basis

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold a drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday, July 23rd, beginning 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 Ave. and Morris Ave.  The food distribution will be first-come, first-served and no registration is required.

The food distribution is 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 work hard in assisting our residents through events such as this drive-up food distribution.”

“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. “This free food distribution is 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 this effort.”

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 and steadfast supporters like Stop & Shop are what allow the FoodBank to continue its unprecedented response, reaching more individuals and families in need than ever before.”

As part of the collaboration, Stop & Shop donated fresh local produce to be distributed.

“Stop & Shop supports the incredible efforts of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey to meet the growing need for assistance in Union County and across New Jersey,” said Stefanie Shuman, Community Relations Manager for Stop & Shop. “We hope our contribution of 5 tons of local produce helps ease the burden that so many families are experiencing as a result of the pandemic.”

This event 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 the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, 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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