Category: Public Info

Invasive insect threatens native trees and plants, and can destroy valuable crops.

Union County residents who are looking for ways to help the environment are advised to be on the lookout for the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species that can destroy native trees like the black walnut, red maple, silver maple, and river birch. The spotted lanternfly is also notorious for damaging crops and ornamental flowers.

“Union County residents have worked hard to preserve open space and protect native habitat in our public parks, so we all have a stake in ensuring that the spotted lanternfly does not take hold in our area,” said Freeholder Chairman Al Mirabella. “I encourage everyone to help do a service to our native ecosystems by learning how to recognize this pest and its eggs, and destroying any that you encounter.”

The adult spotted lanternfly is easily recognized by black speckles on whitish upper wings and red lower wings. The insect lays egg masses of 30-50 eggs over a small area of about 1 inch, typically on flat surfaces including the outsides of vehicles. Masses laid on trees are mainly found about 10 feet above ground.

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species of Asian origin that was originally confirmed to be spreading in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in September 2014. However, in 2018 the plant hopper was seen in New Jersey.

Lanternflies feed on more than 70 different trees and plants, but are particularly dangerous to New Jersey flora such as grapevines, roses, and the river birch, silver/red maple, and black walnut trees. Because of the lethality to these particular NJ plants, a lanternfly infestation could potentially prove damaging to New Jersey’s economy.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture currently has eight counties under “quarantine” for the spotted lanternfly, including Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Salem, Somerset, and Warren. Union County may soon be next on that list, as residents have reported lanternfly sightings in Westfield, Springfield, and more.

Residents are advised to kill any lanternflies they encounter, whether by force or sprayed insecticide. Since the spotted lanternfly typically lays its eggs in October, residents are also instructed to be on the lookout for egg sacs and, if spotted, scrape them into a plastic bag full of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.

Residents are also advised to inspect their cars for lanternflies or eggs after traveling to one of the aforementioned quarantine counties, particularly if on a hiking or other nature trip, and act accordingly to prevent the lanternfly from hitchhiking back to Union County.

Spotted lanternfly sightings should be reported to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture by calling 609-406-6943 or emailing slf-plantindustry@ag.nj.gov.

For more information, including photos of the lanternfly and its eggs at various stages, visit nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/spottedlanternfly.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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 in local communities, 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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Union County, NJ – As the fall season approaches, Union County residents, business owners and visitors can explore new ways to save money and help preserve a healthy environment by tuning in to the new Earth Day Every Day live webinar series created in part by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. The free series kicks off on September 14 at 6:30 p.m. and will continue each week throughout the fall.

Earth Day Every Day builds on the success of the Earth Day At Home webinar series, launched by the Extension last spring in celebration of the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day.

“The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County connects our community with fact-based guidance that empowers people to improve their own well-being, while also contributing to a safe, healthy environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Extension has redoubled their educational and outreach work during the COVID-19 outbreak, and Freeholder Board is proud to support their efforts to inform and empower people of all ages.”

To register and join the new Earth Day Every Day webinars, and to view recorded versions from the series last spring, visit envirostewards.rutgers.edu/Earth-Day.

The new fall topics are:

9/14/20- Winterizing Your Home for Maximum Energy Efficiency

9/21/20- Collecting Native Seeds: Sow Much to Know!

9/28/20- Fall Lawn Care the Earthwise Way

10/5/20- RU Wildlife Wise: Defensive Driving to Avoid Wildlife

10/13/20- What’s An Energy Audit and Do you Need One?*

10/19/20- Ten Ways to Adapt to Coastal Flooding

10/26/20- RU Wildlife Wise: Demystifying Iconic Halloween Animals

11/2/20- Basics of Recycling

*Please note that the October 13 webinar takes place on a Tuesday.

For more expert guidance on wellness, view the latest issue of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s “Family and Community Health Sciences Visions” newsletter online at njaes.rutgers.edu/visions. Topics include pet food safety, reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s, and much more.

Students in grades k-12 can explore STEAM activities and community service opportunities through 4-H from Home, created by the Extension’s 4-H youth development program.

Nature enthusiasts of all ages can also visit Union County’s own Trailside Nature and Science Center online at ucnj.org/trailside to participate in the “Virtual Summer Camp” series, featuring original videos, crafts, and more. Weekly topics include Turtle Time, Pond and Stream, and Trees are Terrific among others.

Union County is part of the Choose to Reuse statewide anti-litter effort, which aims to reduce plastic waste and improve recycling rates. For reliable information on what to recycle – and what not to recycle — view the “Recycle Right” video and find links to other County-sponsored recycling programs at ucnj.org/recycling.

In addition, residents can download the free Recycle Coach app for up-to-date information about recycling in each Union County municipality, along with fun interactive videos and more.

Union County also encourages residents, businesses and visitors to cut down on single-use plastics through the #MakeOneChangeUC campaign.

Union County’s ongoing environmental programs include drop-off recycling events, open space preservation, nature education, tree planting, pollinator habitats, community gardening and more. For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit ucnj.org/green-connect. Please note COVID-19 safety precautions are required for all recycling events. Other in-person activities are limited at this time due to the outbreak.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is a program of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and is supported in part by the Freeholder Board. For more Extension news and programs for environmental conservation and personal health in Union County visit ucnj.org/rce.

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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Union County Freeholder Andrea Staten and Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter today joined with the United Way of Greater Union County and members of County Government at Hillside High School in distributing food donated by Amazon.com through United Way to various organizations throughout Union County. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

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, September 12^th, beginning at 9 a.m. at Kean University, located at 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%.

“Despite the progress being made, food insecurity remains a major concern among many families,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Freeholder Board and the County continue to work hard in assisting our residents and these drive-up food distributions have been a lifeline to many affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“We are all working together to ensure that our residents receive the necessary resources to support them during this time as they face unprecedented  levels of unemployment, housing 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 to assist residents in need during this pandemic. We thank the Community FoodBank of New Jersey 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. This event will take place, rain or shine.

“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.”

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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Union County, NJ – A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will visit the Union County Division of Police in the Department of Public Safety on September 21st, 2020 for a final on-site assessment of all aspects of Police Division Policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services, Chief of Police James C. Debbie announced today.

“Verification by the team that the Union County Police Department meets the Commission’s ‘best practice’ standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” Chief Debbie said.

“Participation by the community is part of the accreditation process, and the Freeholder Board welcomes the input of our residents as we strive to achieve the highest standards in public service,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

As part of this final on-site assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team. They may do so by telephone or email. The public may call 908-789-6834 on September 21st, between the hours of 10am and 11am.  Email comments should be sent to dlynn@ucnj.org.

Additionally, anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Union County Police Division’s compliance with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program manager at hdelgado@njsacop.org or write to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, NJ 08053.

Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards.  A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Union County Police Division, located at 400 North Ave East, Westfield, NJ.  Please contact Detective Deanna Lynn at (908) 789-6834.

The Union County Police Department must comply with 105 standards in order to achieve accredited status.  Chief Debbie indicated, “Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.” 

The Accreditation Program Manager for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Mr. Harry J. Delgado, Ed.S.  “The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies.  The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed.  Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status,” Harry J Delgado stated. 

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police through its New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of New Jersey. For more information regarding the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission please write the Commission at New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053 or email hdelgado@njsacop.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, 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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Outdoor event requires masks in accordance with statewide guidelines for COVID-19 prevention.

 The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites the public to participate in the County’s third annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Saturday, September 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

Masks are required for all those in attendance and social distancing will be enforced.

The event will feature a performance by the Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre and a showing of the Disney Pixar Movie CoCo which will begin at dusk. The first 250 people will receive a Union County Hispanic Heritage logo mask or fan and will be eligible for free tapas provided by “The Garden” food truck. Participants are advised to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

“Now more than ever, it is important to celebrate the diversity and cultural ties that build a strong, inclusive community,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The freeholder board is proud to celebrate the undeniable impact that people of Hispanic origin have and continue to have within this country while keeping safe & social distancing.”

This year’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration Honorees include Make the Road NJ, Carlos Rodriguez, CEO of the Community FoodBank of NJ, and Annarelly “Annie” McNair, Union County Public Health Officer.

“I am honored to be able to represent the Hispanic Community on our Freeholder Board and humbled to celebrate each year our communities’ rich traditions, wisdom, & strength. When we come together with our diverse cultures to support one another is when our families and community members thrive,” said Freeholder Sergio Granados.

This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month event is coordinated through the Union County Office of Community Engagement and Diversity in partnership with the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

The Office of Community Engagement & Diversity and the Countywide Hispanic Heritage Celebration event is part of Freeholder Chairman Granados’s 2018 “Moving Union County Forward” initiatives for supporting inclusion, individual empowerment and community engagement in Union County. For more information please contact the office coordinator, Nathalie Hernandez, at nahernandez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4880.

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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Union County, NJ – Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado responds to questions about the 2020 General Election in the following letter-to-the editor:

Dear Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to respond to a Cranford resident who raised a number of very important questions about the upcoming November 3 General Election in a recent letter published in the Westfield Leader. In fact, many voters have the same questions as there are many changes taking place.

It is very important for voters to have access to reliable, informed guidance regarding elections, and all the more so this year as we implement measures to administer a Presidential General Election amidst a global pandemic. By Executive Order of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, the General Election will take place primarily through Vote-by-Mail ballots.

With that in mind, I encourage voters to visit the Board of Elections website at ucnj.org/boe for accurate, up-to-date information about the General Election, including tips for making sure your Vote-by-Mail ballot counts and answers to frequently asked questions. By September 15, updated polling locations will be available and by the end of September, updated locations for the next set of ballot drop boxes will be available.

Since the letter raised several questions about the ballot drop boxes, I would like to remind voters that the number of drop boxes will increase, from the five boxes available during the July 7 Primary Election to 13 for the upcoming General Election.

Each drop box is secure and accessible only by Union County Board of Elections staff.  The drop boxes will be emptied on a daily basis by a bipartisan team. In addition, each of the drop boxes will be under 24/7 camera surveillance. The original five locations are listed at ucnj.org/boe, and the additional locations will be available by the end of September.

The letter also raised concerns about delays in mail delivery. As a matter of course in every election, I strongly advise Vote-by-Mail voters to fill out and return their ballot as soon as they receive it, in order to ensure that it is delivered on time.

To account for delays in U.S. Mail service, ballots that are postmarked on or before November 3 will be counted if they are received by the Board of Elections by November 10. Ballots received by our office through the postal service without a postmark will also be counted, but only if they are received by November 5.

There are many other options available to voters to return their ballots to the Union County Board of Elections:

• Drop off the ballot at a designated, secure drop box.
• Deliver the ballot by hand to the Union County Board of Electionsoffice in Elizabeth at 271 North Broad Street, or to the Union County Clerk’s offices at 2 Broad Street, Room 113 in Elizabeth or 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Voters wishing to hand deliver their ballots must present either a NJ Driver’s License or an NJ-issued Identification Card and sign a registry, pursuant to existing statutes. 
• Designate a person to deliver your ballot for you. The Vote-by-Mail ballots include instructions on how to designate a ballot bearer. By law, one ballot bearer may deliver up to three ballots for other voters. Bearer ballots must be delivered to the Board of Elections in Elizabeth.
• Voters can also drop off their Vote-by-Mail ballots at their designated polling place on Election Day until the polls close at 8:00 p.m. This is a new option for the first time in this General Election. Voters can go to their designated polling location, wait in line, sign the poll book, and give their ballot to the poll worker who will place it in a secure transfer box.

On Election Day, Tuesday November 3, the Union County Election Board, the County Clerk’s Offices and the ballot drop boxes will remain open until 8:00 p.m.

Please note that voters without a Vote-by-Mail ballot can vote in person at their designated polling place. In-person voters must wear masks, observe social distance, and use a paper, provisional ballot in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. ADA-compliant voting machines will be available only for people with disabilities who cannot use a provisional paper ballot.

I hope this information answers most of the questions voters may have about the General Election. Again, voters should feel free to contact my office with any other questions or concerns they may have by calling 908-527-4123 or emailing ucboe@ucnj.org. My professional staff will be happy to assist.

Very Sincerely Yours,

Nicole L. DiRado, CMC, MPA

Administrator, Union County Board of Elections

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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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Union County, NJ – Due to an upgrade project, the Union County Clerk’s Elizabeth Business Office for Passports, Notaries and Trade Names in the Union County Courthouse will be closed from Wednesday, September 2 through mid-October.

Persons in need of passport, notary or trade name services during that time can contact the Union County Clerk at 908-654-9859 to make an appointment at the Annex Office, located at the Colleen Frasier Building in the Union County Complex, at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

Please note that visits are by appointment only, and all visitors must wear masks and observe social distance in order to

prevent the spread of COVID-19.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including walk-up test locations and guidance on 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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Saliva tests begin on Sept. 3^rd in Hillside, results within 72 hours

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board is pleased to announce that the Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit is now offering residents free COVID-19 saliva tests. The saliva tests will be administered by the Mobile Test Unit during all scheduled upcoming community visits.

The Mobile Test Unit will exclusively administer saliva tests at all community visits going forward. Test results will be available within 3 days, which is sooner than the conventional swab test. This new community program builds on the Mobile Test Unit’s ongoing work of providing on-site tests for seniors in congregate housing, and for other at-risk populations in Union County.

The Union County Mobile Test Unit will start using the COVID-19 saliva tests at the next community visit scheduled for Thursday, September 3 in Hillside. Tests will be administered at Sanford Park, located at 274 Hillside Avenue, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. No appointment is required for this Mobile Test Unit visit.

“The Mobile Test Unit has enabled hundreds of our most vulnerable residents to receive a COVID-19 test in a familiar, convenient location. The new community program expands on this effort by offering saliva tests to our residents,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Saliva tests are less invasive and the test results come in faster.”

Any Union County resident can make an appointment at any Mobile Test Unit site, regardless of the municipality in which they live. Appointments are required for all community walkup testing visits unless otherwise stated.

Testing is free of charge and no doctor visit or car is needed; all tests are conducted on a walk-up basis with masks and social distance required. Residents should bring a tablet or smart phone with them. Those being tested are asked not to eat or drink 30 minutes prior to testing.

To pick a location, date and time, and to make an appointment online, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update/walk-up.

Union County residents who need to make an appointment by phone can call 908-518-4307 for assistance.

Municipal governments, non-profit organizations and other community groups can call the Union County Office of Emergency Management at 908-654-9881 to request a visit from the Mobile Test Unit.

The Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit is staffed by health professionals with the Union County Division of Health, in the Department of Public Safety. The Mobile Test Unit has conducted more than 2,000 tests to date.

In addition, the free Union County COVID-19 Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University has conducted more than 43,000 tests to date, for Union County residents as well as front line emergency and medical personnel in New Jersey.

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 the Mobile Test Unit, 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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Union County, NJ – In an effort to help more Union County residents who are experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Freeholder Board is coordinating its food distribution efforts through a new Food Insecurity Task Force, with the goal of ensuring that assistance reaches every individual and family in need as the economic fallout of the crisis continues. The Task Force will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, September 2.

“The COVID-19 outbreak has created new financial stresses, burdens and barriers to food access,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Our civic partners and private sector donors have done an outstanding job of stepping up to provide food to those in need during this public health emergency. This crisis is far from over, and the new Food Insecurity Task Force will help us build on our work with a coordinated effort.”

“The COVID-19 crisis has had a direct impact on the need for food assistance to our residents. The County’s Department of Human Services administers the federal SNAP nutrition assistance program, and it has received more than 9,000 new SNAP applications since the COVID-19 outbreak began in March. As measured by data from the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, food insecurity in Union County has risen from 8.2% to 12.9% due to COVID-19,” explained Freeholder Sergio Granados, liaison to the Human Service Advisory Board.

“The Food Insecurity Task Force will improve communication and coordination among our partners to leverage all resources and develop an effective and efficient service delivery system to get food to those in need during this national health emergency,” added Freeholder Granados.

The new Task Force builds on the work of the Covid-19 Crisis Non-Profit Consortium, established by Union County Director of Human Services Debbie-Ann Anderson, which has coordinated the resources of the County and non-profit organizations. The Task Force members include the Union County departments of Human Services and Economic Development, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, United Way of Greater Union County, Union County Meals-on-Wheels, St. Joseph’s Social Services Center, the Salvation Army of Elizabeth, Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey and Community Bank of New Jersey.

The Task Force will also address underlying food insecurity issues that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis, including untreated mental illness, inadequate school-based nutrition programs for children, unemployment, and lack of affordable child care.

Freeholder Granados noted that County employees joined with members of the Freeholder Board and volunteers from non-profit organizations to begin distributing boxes of shelf stable food and fresh produce in May. Union County has also organized food donations for thousands of residents in partnership with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and United Way of Greater Union County, with local social service agencies, other civic organizations, and with many individual volunteers and donors.

Since March, Union County’s Division on Aging in the Department of Human Services has delivered more than 200,000 meals to seniors and other home-bound residents, including more than 100,000 meals delivered to seniors who cannot use congregate meal sites due to COVID-19 safety precautions.

Jewish Family Services and the Union YM-YWHA have delivered a total of almost 12,000 kosher meals between March and August. In addition, a two-week supply of shelf stable food was provided to more than 2,000 seniors through the Meals on Wheels program. Human Services has also provided food to more than 150 families through its Division of Social Services food pantry since March.

In addition, a newly announced partnership between the Freeholder Board and Kean University will enlist student volunteers to help support a series of large scale, drive-up food distribution events organized by Union County and the Community FoodBank at the school’s campus on Morris Avenue in Union Township, which is also the site of the free Union County Drive-Through COVID-19 Test Center. The food distribution events take place on days when the Test Center is not in use.

To date, Union County has received $399,000 from the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act to fund meals for seniors through September 2021, and $759,656 for meals through the federal CARES Act.

For food and other assistance, Union County residents can call the Department of Human Services Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288, or email DHSAction@ucnj.org.

Seniors age 60 and older can call the Division on Aging toll-free at 1-888-280-8226, or call 908-527-4870, 908-527-4858. Spanish speakers may call 908-527-4863.

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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