Food Pantry Holds Grand Opening In Newark’s East Ward

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark nonprofit has officially opened its second food pantry in the city, and it's expected to give a welcome boost to residents in the East Ward.

Earlier this week, the United Community Corporation (UCC) held a grand opening for its new food distribution center at Wolff Memorial Presbyterian Church, 106 Ann Street. The site is also home to a free “clothing boutique” on the second floor, which will have toys, bookbags and other items.

It will operate Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more here.

The UCC’s existing food distribution program has already served more than 30,000 people through the first three months of 2021. Last year, it served 156,177 people.

According to the UCC, the goal of opening a location in the East Ward has been “long in the works.”

The Ironbound section of Newark has been hit particularly hard by COVID-19, and was one of the neighborhoods that were placed under curfew during a 10-day shutdown of the city due to a test positivity rate of more than 40 percent.

Placing their new food distribution spot in an area of Newark that was drastically affected by the coronavirus – especially one with such a “diverse, working-class community” – was a key factor in the decision to expand to Wolff Memorial Presbyterian Church, UCC staff said.

“We want to be visible to the East Ward community and show that we are able to help,” Executive Director Craig Mainor said. “We know the dire effects that the pandemic has had on that neighborhood and we want to be there to help.”

“Many of those folks are essential workers and we want to be able to serve them,” Mainor said.

• See related article: Newark Nonprofit Delivers Food, Hope Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

UCC food pantry manager Maria Torres, who was recently named one of the city’s “unsung heroes,” said the new location will be a big boost to Spanish and Portuguese residents living in the East Ward.

“The immigrant community are going to really benefit from this as well,” Torres said. “They don’t always receive a lot of help because they don’t have documentation. I’m extremely happy that we’re going to be helping that population and that area.”

“I know a lot of people are very desperate in need,” Torres added.

• See related article: NJ Latino Groups Reach 200K Voters With COVID-19 Relief Campaign
• See related article: New Jersey Immigrants Deserve Coronavirus Aid, 100 Teachers Say
• See related article: NJ Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce Supports COVID Hunger Strikers

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 2021, about 42 million Americans may 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.

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