Food Giveaway At Codey Arena Will Include 1,000 Free Turkeys

WEST ORANGE, NJ — There will be 1,000 frozen turkeys and boxes of non-perishable food available on a first-come, first-served basis at a free giveaway event on Tuesday, Dec. 20 in Essex County, officials say.

According to a news release from Essex County, the event will take place at 9 a.m. at Codey Arena, located at the South Mountain Recreation Complex, 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange.

The event is being held to help families impacted by the pandemic or who are facing food insecurity, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

“Many families are still feeling the effects of the pandemic or are facing food insecurity because of inflation and the rising costs of food and energy,” DiVincenzo said. “We are pleased to present this special Winter Holiday Emergency Food Distribution Event for those who are in dire need and to make sure all our families have something to be thankful for this year.”

Here’s what to know before you go, officials said:

“Residents driving to Codey Arena should use the western entrance to the parking lot that is across the street from the BP gasoline station. Left turns from Northfield Avenue into the parking lot will not be allowed. Residents waiting to enter the site should line up along Cherry Lane before turning right onto Northfield Avenue. Residents walking to the site should come to the eastern end of the commuter parking deck. It is recommended that residents walking to the site bring a cart. 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. Residents will receive a frozen turkey and an emergency food box that contains food items served during a traditional holiday meal. 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.”

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