Free Meal For Homeless In Newark: ‘Night Of 10,000 Sandwiches’

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of a Patch Newark community member. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Rock Place Church and United Community Corporation (UCC) are joining forces to make a positive impact on the lives of homeless individuals in Newark this week, distributing sandwiches and providing nourishment to those in need through the church’s “Night of Ten Thousand Sandwiches” event.

The partnership between Rock Place Church and UCC to host the distribution on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Westside Park Community Center in Newark not only serves a mutual goal between both organizations to transform the lives of the most vulnerable people in their community but also as a reminder that they are valued members of the community. Homelessness is an issue that affects countless lives, and events like Rock Place Church’s Night of Ten Thousand Sandwiches play a vital role in raising awareness and inspiring others to get involved.

By working together, the Rock Place Church and UCC aim to inspire a ripple effect of kindness and compassion throughout the city, encouraging others to lend a helping hand to those in need.

“This event was birthed when God gave a vision to our pastor when starting the ministry, to create a banquet for the community that he would direct us to, where they would be fed, clothed, and provided with additional resources to promote healthier lifestyle practices,” said Minister Carol Lobban, Rock Nation, The Rock Place Church. “God directed us to Newark to be his hands and feet and showcase his love. Through Night of Ten Thousand Sandwiches, the Rock Place Church will continue to be the community that serves our community.”

"As a community action agency, UCC is proud to team up with the Rock Place Church for its Night of Ten Thousand Sandwiches as it shows compassion and support for the homeless in our city,” said Cathy Booker, UCC Director of Emergency Services. “Additionally, it helps provide sustenance and a basic need to those who are less fortunate while promoting unity and a sense of community by coming together for a common cause."

Starting at noon, members from both organizations will be on hand to distribute sandwiches, engage in meaningful conversations and provide information about the resources and services available to the homeless community. Other organizations that helped make Night of Ten Thousand Sandwiches possible were Jersey Mike’s; Amerigroup; Newark Emergency Services for Families; Newark Department of Health & Wellness; Juvia's Place; and Costco.

The distribution event comes to an area experiencing substantial homelessness and food insecurity. In fact, a 2022 report said that the City of Newark accounts for more than 90 percent of the state’s entire homeless population. Additionally, sections in each of the city’s five wards have been designated as “Food Deserts,” defined as an urban area in which it is difficult to buy affordable or quality fresh food.

Both organizations hope to raise awareness around these issues and mitigate the impacts of them through the outreach event.

“In addition to our church being planted in Newark and being able to give God's love to this community, we noticed that homelessness is a big problem in our city, especially within our immediate environment. With the vision that we were given and our desire to affect change in some way, doing an event like this here just fell into place,” said Lobban. “Since Newark happens to be one of the largest food deserts in the state, this event, while just a drop in the bucket, provides a neglected population not just a meal but a chance to gain access to resources that can help them to start rebuilding.”

Lobban noted that the event started in the church pastor's initial fellowship in East Orange, when he and his family would cook and call the community to come in and eat.

“As our church grew, our outreach team came together and started reaching out to various organizations who willingly partnered with us to make this event what it has become today. The organizers of this event come from our church's outreach team. We partner with many organizations who come to be a help and blessing to our community,” said Lobban.

In teaming up for the Night of Ten Thousand Sandwiches event, the church’s outreach efforts to feed the community’s most vulnerable residents aligned with UCC’s actions to feed those in need. Since UCC was established in 1964, its staff and volunteers have implemented multiple initiatives to assist and feed the city's most vulnerable residents.

The nonprofit hosts routine distribution events where fresh groceries and boxed foods are a staple at any event alongside providing other outreach resources. UCC also launched its community refrigerator initiative in 2022 by installing refrigerators across each of Newark's five wards which provide 24/7 access to fresh produce and groceries.

Attendees will also be welcome to use UCC’s Mobile Wash Trailer. The laundry trailer is equipped with four washers, four dryers and a utility sink to give those in need, especially residents without addresses, a free way to clean their clothes and empower them to maintain hygienic practices. UCC received financial support from the state Department of Community Affairs to acquire the mobile laundry trailer. Laundry supplies for the trailer were generously donated by Earth Breeze and Amerigroup.

“Together, we can make a difference and bring hope and support to those who need it most with dignity,” said Booker.

“Please, join us if this initiative touches your heart. Your support means everything,” said Lobban.

For more information about Night of Ten Thousand Sandwiches, visit Rock Place Church’s website at therockplace.org or United Community Corporation at uccnewark.org.

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