Union County To Host Coronavirus Drive-Up Food Distribution

UNION COUNTY, NJ — An emergency drive-up food distribution will be held to help Union County residents affected by the coronavirus pandemic on Saturday.

The food drive will begin at 9 a.m. at Kean University, at 1000 Morris Ave., in Union. The distribution will take place in the parking lot at the intersection of North Avenue and Morris Avenue.

The food distribution will be first-come, first-served and no registration is required. The food distribution is being sponsored and coordinated by the County of Union and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

Feeding America, of which CFBNJ is a member, projects a 56 percent increase in food insecurity throughout New Jersey as a result of COVID-19 — an additional 432,000 residents. This rate is higher than the national average of 46 percent and greater than any of New Jersey's neighboring states.

In Union County, specifically, the projected food insecurity rate has risen from 8.2 percent to 12.9 percent.

"The Freeholder Board and the County will continue to schedule these drive-up food distributions as they have become a lifeline to many of our residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic," said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Residents who wish to pick up food must arrive in a car; walk-ups will not be allowed. Upon arrival, each driver will have to present identification with their name and address and indicate how many people reside in their household.

Recipients will receive an emergency box of non-perishable items and fresh produce, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Only one box of food will be provided per vehicle. This event will take place, rain or shine.

"The increase in need for food assistance among our New Jersey neighbors during this crisis has been staggering, presenting a greater challenge than anything that the FoodBank has faced throughout its 45-year history," said Carlos Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. "Partnerships like the one that we have with Union County are what allow the FoodBank to continue its unprecedented response, reaching more individuals and families in need than ever before."

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

For a list of all future Food Distribution events, click here.

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