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County Announces COVID-19 Emergency Thanksgiving Walk-Up Food Distribution in Elizabeth, November 21

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

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board announced the County will hold an emergency Thanksgiving walk-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, November 21st, beginning at 1 p.m. at Union County Division of Social Services, located at 342 Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth.

The event is open to all Union County residents. The first 500 people will receive a special holiday food box. 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 and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

“These ongoing food distributions have provided a lifeline to those who are struggling with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “With the approaching Thanksgiving holiday, we are working hard to assist to as many residents as possible in Union County.”

“This walk-up distribution will help residents affected by the pandemic who may not have access to a vehicle. We strive to provide all residents with the necessary resources and especially now that the weather is getting colder and the holidays are approaching,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and volunteers involved in coordinating this effort.”

“Food insecurity in New Jersey is projected to increase by 56% due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so more residents than ever before may not have access to holiday meals this Thanksgiving,” said Carlos Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. “In response, CFBNJ expects to provide 10,000 more turkeys and roasters statewide than last year, which we will distribute with the help of our committed partners. I thank the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders for their ongoing partnership and their tireless efforts to ensure nutritious meals for those in need this holiday season and throughout the pandemic.”

This event is walk-up only and residents wishing to pick up food should bring one proof of New Jersey residency.

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

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/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services and resources during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, the new Union County COVID-19 website at ucnj.org/covid19.

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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