Local Restaurants, Metuchen Downtown Alliance Fight Food Insecurity

METUCHEN, NJ — The Metuchen Downtown Alliance (MDA) has been purchasing food from local restaurants to feed those in need throughout Middlesex County.

MDA has been using the $390,000 grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to purchase meals from restaurants located in Metuchen’s downtown.

Over the past three months, more than 15,000 meals have been distributed to food-insecure residents of Middlesex County, including families in Metuchen.

“This initiative evidences the multifaceted work the MDA does. Yes, we run wonderful events like the Winter Market and Downtown Caroling, but we also work to generate business opportunities for our members.” Dawn Mackey, Executive Director of the MDA said in a statement.

“This grant will ultimately provide over 30,000 meals for people in need and generate $390,000 of revenue for local businesses. We appreciate the NJEDA for the funds and support.”

Organizations that benefit from the program include the First Presbyterian Food Pantry in Metuchen and Elijah’s Promise in New Brunswick.

Sarah Teti director of the First Presbyterian Food Bank said the meals provided are benefiting local families. "We are experiencing a growing demand for food. The cost of food is higher than ever and those with limited incomes like the elderly and disabled are being hit hard,” Teti said in a statement. “We are grateful to the MDA for making this happen.”

The MDA will continue this initiative through the end of March when the grant program ends but they are hopeful the NJEDA will extend the program.

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