Categories
Public Info

Union County Announces COVID-19 Emergency Drive-Up Food Distribution, 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 drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic on Saturday, November 21st, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the eastern parking lot at the Kean University campus, 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township. Participants should follow signs posted on Morris Avenue to enter the campus.  The food distribution will be first-come, first-served and no registration is required.

The food distribution is being sponsored by Union County and Univision and is an ongoing coordinated partnership between the County and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

“Union County recognizes the ongoing need for these drive-up food distributions,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Our residents continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and food insecurity remains a concern. We are proud to provide this valuable service to those in need.”

“We thank our partner, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey as well as Univision and the volunteers involved in coordinating this effort,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We will continue our work to ensure that residents receive the necessary resources to support them during this time.”

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. This event will take place, rain or shine.

“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 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 a list of all future Food Distribution events, visit: https://ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events/.

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 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.

##

Connect with Union County on social media.