Bella Pizza Feeds Those Struggling Amid Coronavirus Crisis

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — When Hillsborough Schools closed last month Bella Pizza immediately stepped up to start offering kids and the elderly free lunches amid the coronacrisis outbreak.

"When everything started coming about when we were told to stay home, I felt like I needed to do something for the community," said Akhtar Farzaie, owner of Bella Pizza at 340 South Branch Rd. "I know a lot of kids rely on free school lunches to eat. And I thought about the elderly who couldn't really go out."

Farzaie is offering free lunches Monday to Friday and also free delivery for the elderly as well.

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As word spread about Farzaie’s gesture many community members began to donate to the pizzeria to help cover the cost to keep the free lunches going. Organizations such as the Hillsborough PBA also donated to the cause.

"The Hillsborough community is an extended family to me and if I want the community to support me it’s my duty as a business owner to step up without any hesitation and support my community," said Farzaie.

Along with the free lunches, Bella Pizza is also offering pizza kits for families to make their own pizza pies at home. Some of the kits were also donated to the Hillsborough Food Pantry.

"I appreciate the community and can never pay back what they have done for me. They have come full force and are rallying behind us," Farzaie said. "I am hopeful this inspires other businesses or individuals to make a difference in someone else’s life."

Bella Pizza is open for delivery and curbside pick-up. For more information on how to order or the free lunches visit bellapizza1.com or call 908-369-5554 or facebook.com/bellapizza.hillsborough.

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