Emergency Food Giveaway In Irvington: Coronavirus Relief

IRVINGTON, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Essex County. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. and the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders will present an Emergency Food Distribution Event on Thursday, November 5 in Orange Park in Irvington to help families negatively impacted by the coronavirus.

The 1,000 boxes of food that will be distributed are meant to benefit families who have been forced out of work and are not able to afford food.

It will be held as follows:

• Thursday, November 5, 2020
• 9 a.m.
• Orange Park, Clinton Avenue, Irvington

The park is adjacent to Irvington High School, 1253 Clinton Avenue, Irvington.

It will be held RAIN or SHINE.

“The Coronavirus has forced an enormous amount of people out of work and created food insecurity among residents who now have limited income or no income at all. We are pleased to present this Emergency Food Distribution Event to help those who are in dire need,” DiVincenzo said. “The Coronavirus has created uncertainty and unforeseen challenges for us all. We hope this emergency food distribution helps those families who are struggling,” he said, adding that additional emergency food distribution events will be scheduled on a weekly basis.

“The Coronavirus Pandemic has negatively affected our communities in a multitude of ways. Unfortunately, over the last few months, the number of Essex County residents requiring assistance to provide food for their families has increased. To that end, I am happy to join the County Administration in announcing that more food distribution events will be coming to different municipalities across the County. Providing service to our residents is something I take great pride in, and it is my hope the upcoming food distribution events will allow more Essex County residents in need to receive assistance,” Gill said.

“The Essex County Emergency Food Distribution Event that took place in Branch Brook Park at the end of April was a great success. We were able to hand out over 2,000 boxes of food to residents in need. Our goal is to duplicate that success in different towns across Essex County, and give all of our residents a chance to receive food in a location that is in close proximity to their community. I thank the County Administration for putting this plan in place, and I encourage all residents in need to participate over the next few months,” Richardson said.

Residents who want to take advantage of this free giveaway should approach the park by turning onto Orange Place from Orange Avenue. Only right turns onto Orange Place from Orange Avenue will be permitted. Residents waiting to enter the site should line up along Orange Avenue.

Residents walking to the site should come to the corner of Drakes Lane and Clinton Avenue. Residents walking to the site must wear a face mask/covering and follow social distancing guidelines. It is recommended that residents walking to the site bring a cart; the boxes weigh about 40 pounds.

Residents who are driving or walking are asked to not arrive to the site until 8 a.m. This is being done to allow for normal traffic flow through the area and prevent any traffic back-ups from being created.

The emergency food boxes contain enough food to provide about 40 meals. They consist of a variety of non-perishable food such as oatmeal, rice, fruit, peanut butter, jelly, shelf stable milk and canned vegetables, chili, soup and ravioli. Items may vary based upon their availability. Only one emergency food box will be placed into a vehicle’s trunk or given to each resident who walks to the site.

Buses will not be allowed to enter.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com