Union County will hold its 69th and 70th food distribution events for residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Food boxes will include holiday supplies; free COVID-19 testing and vaccinations available on site.
Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners will host two emergency food distribution events for Union County residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic this weekend, on Saturday November 20 and Sunday November 21.
The emergency food distribution will include holiday meal supplies with all the trimmings.
The two upcoming food distribution events mark a milestone in Union County’s efforts to provide residents in need with emergency food supplies during the COVID-19 outbreak. They are the 69th and 70th emergency food distribution events in a series that began during the earliest months of the outbreak, in May 2020.
Union County’s emergency food program has provided more than 10 million meals to residents in need during the pandemic, totaling almost 12 million pounds of food.
“The need is great, and this enormous undertaking would not be possible without our community volunteers and partners,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “These emergency supplies are needed now more than ever as we feel the impact of inflation, and we are very grateful to each volunteer who donated their time and effort to help ensure that everyone in our community can put nutritious food on their table.”
“We continue to make progress in our efforts to protect Union County residents from the COVID-19 virus with free vaccination and testing, but many families continue to experience the financial impact of the pandemic. The emergency food supplies help relieve stress on the budget and contribute to family well-being, and that is especially important during the holiday season,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market, Gargiulo Produce and CMC Foods for their continued partnership in these efforts.”
Union County’s food distribution events are run on a first come, first served basis. No pre-registration is required but participants must bring proof of Union County residency. A driver’s license, utility bill, or ID card are accepted.
Residents participating in drive-up events are asked to clear a space in their trunk or cargo area large enough to accommodate two boxes of food per household. All drive-ups must remain in their cars with windows rolled up. Food boxes will be placed in the vehicle by volunteers.
Those participating in walk-up events are advised to bring a cart or wagon to carry their food. Masks are required while on site.
The two upcoming food distribution events are:
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Where: Kean University campus, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union Township
When: Begins 8:00 a.m. – Kean University in Union
First 1000+ arrivals will receive a special holiday food box and produce box.
Please note, this is a drive-up event only. Walk-ins are not permitted.
Sunday, November 21, 2021
Where: Gerald B. Green Plaza Rotunda Complex, 200 West Second Street, Plainfield
When: begins 11:00 a.m.
First 500+ arrivals will receive a special holiday food box and produce box.
Please note, this is a walk-up event only; participants are advised to allow time to walk to the site.
Participants who need a COVID-19 vaccination can use the free mobile clinic available at both of the events. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins may also be accommodated if time allows. To make an appointment contact the Union County COVID-19 Call Center at 908-613-7829 or register online at ucnj.2120check.com/home.
At the two food distribution sites, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be provided to those 18 years or older. The Pfizer vaccine will be provided to ages 12-17. The Moderna vaccine will also be available, for booster shots only.
Free COVID-19 saliva tests are also available at both sites. No appointment is needed for a saliva test.
Residents in need of additional food assistance can find nearby resources by visiting the Community Foodbank of New Jersey online at cfbnj.org/findfood. To find food resources via phone, text “findfood” for English or “comida” for Spanish to 908-224-7776.
For additional resources and guidance from the Union County Department of Human Services, visit ucnj.org/dhs or call the DHS Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.
This weekend’s COVID-19 emergency food distribution events are coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Supermarket and Gargiulo Produce. For information on these two companies visit myvillagesupermarket.com and gargiuloproduce.com.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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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